Financial Institutions Emerge as Strategic Partners in Emerging Technology

Deep News
Feb 13

Aerofugia recently announced the completion of a new funding round of nearly 10 billion yuan, led by China Securities, marking the largest single financing deal in the low-altitude economy sector since the beginning of the year. Additionally, several humanoid robotics companies are advancing their listing processes on the A-share market, while others have submitted IPO applications to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Financial institutions and capital markets are increasingly supporting emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence.

The backing provided by financial institutions to emerging technologies has evolved from scattered, broad-based investments to deep partnerships and full-cycle empowerment, fostering value co-creation. This shift is driven by coordinated policy guidance and reflects a deeper understanding by financial institutions of the relationship between technology, industry, and capital.

First, capital markets have begun forming a new ecosystem that supports technological innovation. The recent surge in humanoid robotics companies initiating IPOs is largely driven by regulatory reforms introduced by the China Securities Regulatory Commission in June 2025. These reforms explicitly support companies in areas like artificial intelligence, commercial aerospace, and the low-altitude economy to list under the fifth set of standards, creating a tailored capital pathway for unprofitable hard-tech firms. This policy benefit is further amplified by local industrial guidance funds and national-level strategic emerging industry funds, which provide capital support during the Pre-IPO stage, smoothing the financing journey from R&D to listing. Capital markets are transforming from traditional fundraising platforms into engines of innovation, actively aligning with the pace of technological advancement.

Second, financial institutions are transitioning from passive financial followers to active strategic partners. In the past, institutions often participated as co-investors, seeking predictable returns and exit timelines. Today, many are taking lead roles, providing comprehensive resources and support throughout the investment lifecycle. This indicates a willingness to share uncertainties inherent in the industrialization of new technologies, leveraging their brand credibility and industrial networks. As a result, competition in emerging tech sectors has escalated from singular technological breakthroughs to ecosystem-level contests involving technology, industry, and capital.

Third, financial services are building a "patient capital matrix" that covers the entire lifecycle of technology companies. Hard-tech firms face long development cycles and complex risk structures, making it difficult for any single financial instrument to meet their needs from inception to maturity. An emerging multi-layered financial service framework, combining equity, debt, guarantees, and insurance, aims to offer adaptable support at every stage. Aerofugia’s five-round financing history illustrates this standardized approach: venture capital validates technology in the early stages, industrial capital helps scale applications during growth, securities-backed capital provides resources pre-IPO, and post-listing, secondary market financing supports R&D iteration. At each phase, different financial institutions play distinct roles, creating a relay-style long-term partnership for innovation. Meanwhile, commercial banks and insurers are accelerating the development of tailored financial products, such as intellectual property pledge loans and R&D loss insurance, offering diverse credit support for R&D-intensive tech firms.

From financial co-investment to strategic collaboration, financial institutions are no longer mere capital providers but are deeply embedded in the innovation process, driving the industrialization of technology. This role enables emerging tech companies to access long-term, stable, and supportive capital during critical growth phases. As the patient capital framework continues to mature, an innovation ecosystem where capital and technology mutually empower and thrive is rapidly taking shape.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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