NavInfo to Become Top Shareholder in PhiGent Robotics in $253 Million Deal to Boost Self-Driving Tech
Beijing NavInfo is set to become the largest shareholder in autonomous driving software firm PhiGent Robotics Limited through a RMB 1.8 billion (US$253 million) deal, a strategic move aimed at capturing the high-end segment of the booming intelligent vehicle market.
The transaction combines a direct cash investment with an asset injection. NavInfo will invest RMB 250 million in cash and transfer its wholly-owned subsidiary, NavInfo ADAS (Beijing) Technology, valued at RMB 1.55 billion, into the robotics firm.
Upon completion, the deal will give NavInfo a 39.14% stake in PhiGent Robotics. While this makes NavInfo the single largest shareholder, it will not grant it a controlling interest. NavInfo will have the right to nominate up to two of the five members on the board.
For NavInfo, a leading Chinese automotive solutions provider, the investment accelerates its transition from a high-precision map maker into a Tier 1 supplier for smart vehicles. The company aims to fortify its technological capabilities in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and create a dual-platform strategy to cover the full spectrum of autonomous driving scenarios.
A Hybrid Investment Structure
The transaction is structured in two parts. NavInfo will first subscribe to 138 million Series C+ preferred shares in PhiGent Robotics Limited with a cash payment of RMB 250 million. Subsequently, it will transfer 100% of its equity in its NavInfo ADAS subsidiary to PhiGent Robotics Limited. In exchange, the robotics firm will issue 1.092 billion common shares to NavInfo, priced at US$0.1994 per share, to cover the RMB 1.55 billion valuation of the subsidiary.
Forging Strategic Synergies
The deal is designed to combine the distinct strengths of both companies. NavInfo, founded in 2002 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 2010, has built a comprehensive business portfolio spanning cloud services, intelligent driving, smart cockpits, and automotive-grade chips through its subsidiary AutoChips. The company leverages its legacy in high-precision mapping and data compliance, and it has already secured new orders for 3.6 million ADAS units. In the first half of 2025, its intelligent driving business is projected to account for approximately 4.38% of its revenue.
PhiGent Robotics, meanwhile, brings cutting-edge software algorithm capabilities. The integration of its advanced vision-based systems with NavInfo's existing product lines, which include solutions based on chips from Horizon Robotics and Qualcomm, is expected to create a more powerful and versatile product offering for automakers.
Spotlight on PhiGent Robotics
Founded in August 2021, PhiGent Robotics specializes in high-to-mid-tier ADAS software, with a core focus on 3D visual perception. Its founder, Dr. Shan Yi, is a Tsinghua University alumnus with extensive experience at Baidu, Advanced Micro Devices(AMD), and as a founding member of Horizon Robotics. The core team consists of talent from these leading tech firms.
The startup has already gained significant commercial traction, securing production orders for over 1 million ADAS units, including over 500,000 binocular camera products. Notably, it has an order for 400,000 units of its 7V surround-view system for a flagship model from a major domestic automaker. The company has also developed an end-to-end autonomous driving model named GraphAD and has full-stack production capabilities for ADAS solutions based on Horizon Robotics’ J6E/M platforms, aiming to control the cost of its mid-to-high-end products to under RMB 4,000.