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§ Public · Shanghai, Shanghai, China
Hesai Technology is a technology company.
Hesai Technology specializes in the research, development, and manufacture of advanced LiDAR solutions, providing high-performance sensors for a wide array of applications. The company’s technical approach integrates in-house manufacturing with extensive R&D, focusing on optics, mechanics, and electronics to deliver robust and cost-effective products. This vertically integrated strategy enables rapid product iteration and ensures both high quality and reliable performance across its product lines.
The company was co-founded in 2014 by Dr. Yifan “David” Li, Dr. Kai Sun, and Shaoqing Xiang. Dr. Li, holding a PhD in Robotics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, serves as CEO. Dr. Sun, with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, is the Chief Scientist, bringing expertise in laser-based molecular detection. Shaoqing Xiang, Co-founder and CTO, holds dual Master's degrees from Stanford and previously contributed to iPhone hardware systems integration at Apple, Inc.
Hesai Technology’s LiDAR solutions are adopted by developers in passenger and commercial vehicles for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), as well as in autonomous driving vehicles, robotics, and industrial applications such as last-mile delivery robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The company envisions empowering the broader robotics ecosystem and enhancing quality of life through precise and reliable spatial perception technology, driving forward the future of intelligent systems globally.
Hesai Technology has raised $519.0M across 6 funding rounds.
Hesai Technology has raised $519.0M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Hesai Technology has raised $519.0M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Hesai Technology's investors include Meituan, CPE, Xiaomi, BoxGroup, GSR Ventures, Lightspeed China Partners, Madrona Ventures, Mayfield, Mischief Venture Capital, Qiming Venture Partners, Jon Gelsey, Scott Belsky.
Hesai Technology has raised $519.0M across 6 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $300.0M Series D in June 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2021 | $300M Series D | Meituan, CPE, Xiaomi | BoxGroup, GSR Ventures, Lightspeed China Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Mayfield, Mischief Venture Capital, Qiming Venture Partners, JON Gelsey, Scott Belsky, Baidu, Bosch, Lightspeed Venture Partners, ON Semiconductor | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2020 | $140M Series C | Bosch, Lightspeed Venture Partners | BoxGroup, GSR Ventures, Lightspeed China Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Mayfield, Mischief Venture Capital, JON Gelsey, Scott Belsky, Axiom Asia Private Capital, ON Semiconductor, Qiming Venture Partners | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2019 | $1M Series C | — | Qiming Venture Partners | Announced |
| May 1, 2019 | $37M Series C | — | Qiming Venture Partners | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2017 | $40M Series B | — | BoxGroup, GSR Ventures, Lightspeed China Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Mayfield, Mischief Venture Capital, JON Gelsey, Scott Belsky | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2014 | $1M Seed | — | ZhenFund | Announced |
Hesai Technology is a leading global company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) solutions primarily for autonomous vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), robotics, and intelligent transportation systems. Their products serve automotive manufacturers, autonomous driving companies, and robotics developers by enabling safer, smarter, and more efficient mobility and automation. Hesai’s LiDAR sensors address critical challenges in autonomous navigation, such as precise environmental perception and obstacle detection, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and operational reliability. The company has demonstrated strong growth momentum, becoming the top global automotive LiDAR supplier for three consecutive years and expanding its market presence across North America, Europe, and Asia[1][2][6].
Founded in 2014 in Shanghai by a team of experts in optics, mechanics, and electronics, Hesai Technology emerged from a vision to push the boundaries of sensor technology for autonomous mobility. The founders leveraged their deep technical expertise to develop high-performance LiDAR products that quickly gained traction among leading autonomous driving and robotics companies. Early pivotal moments included launching industry-leading products such as the Pandar128 and AT512 LiDARs, which established Hesai’s reputation for innovation and reliability. The company expanded internationally with offices in Palo Alto and Stuttgart, reflecting its global ambitions and partnerships with major automotive and technology firms[1][2][4].
Hesai rides the accelerating trend of autonomous driving and intelligent robotics, where precise sensing is critical for safety and functionality. The timing is favorable due to increasing regulatory focus on vehicle safety, rising investments in autonomous vehicle fleets, and expanding applications of robotics in logistics and industrial automation. Hesai’s innovations in LiDAR technology help lower barriers to autonomous system deployment by improving sensor performance, reducing costs, and enabling integration into vehicle designs (e.g., behind-the-windshield LiDAR). This positions Hesai as a key enabler in the transition toward smarter, safer mobility and intelligent infrastructure worldwide[1][4][5].
Looking ahead, Hesai is poised to maintain its leadership by advancing next-generation LiDAR technologies such as the ETX ultra-long-range sensor for Level 3 autonomous driving and the FTX fully solid-state LiDAR with ultra-wide field of view. Trends shaping their journey include the growing adoption of autonomous vehicles, increasing demand for robotics automation, and evolving safety standards. Hesai’s continued investment in manufacturing excellence and global partnerships will likely expand its influence, helping to standardize LiDAR as a core technology in autonomous mobility ecosystems. Their mission to empower robotics and elevate lives underscores a future where LiDAR-enabled systems become ubiquitous in transportation and beyond[5][1][4].