Ant Group, a subsidiary of Alibaba, has emerged as a major investor in the Chinese humanoid robot startup Zeroth, contributing 500 million yuan (approximately $73.58 million) in its latest funding round. This investment marks a significant move for Ant Group, which has now backed a total of twelve robotics companies since the beginning of 2025, including notable firms such as Galaxea and Unitree, along with startups focused on components and software development like Linkerbot, Hypershell, and Genrobot AI.
Zeroth, founded in late 2024, specializes in creating humanoid robots, starting with companions designed to assist the elderly and care for pets, before expanding into educational robots for children. The company has already secured more than 30,000 orders, and its operational revenue for the first half of the year surged by an impressive 600% year-on-year. The latest funding round also saw participation from other investors such as Monolith, Geely Capital, 37 Interactive Entertainment, and Hua Capital, bringing the total capital raised to 1 billion yuan (approximately $147.16 million).
Ant Group has been strategically diversifying its investments following the Chinese government's blockage of its IPO in 2020. The company pivoted towards developing medical services and artificial intelligence technologies, launching its own humanoid robot through a newly established subsidiary, RobbyAnt. The collaboration between Ant Group and Zeroth is particularly promising, as both companies aim to integrate AI with robotics, enhancing their offerings in this burgeoning market.
As Zeroth plans to expand its sales into Europe and North America, contingent upon meeting local regulatory requirements, this influx of investment signifies a growing interest in the robotics sector. For competitors, Ant Group's commitment to humanoid robotics could intensify the race to innovate and capture market share in this rapidly evolving field.
Informational material. 18+.
