DiDi is ever so energetic lately. When did it not? Here’s your news round-up for DiDi, featuring its self-driving freight startup securing $41.6 million in fundraising, and its amazing partnership with the music industry.
Success in fundraising
In key cities in China, you’re more likely to see trucks plying the road than expensive cars. True. A Chinese autonomous driving freight startup, KargoBot, which is now owned and backed by Chinese ridesharing giant DiDi Chuxing, has successfully pocketed $41.6 million in a Series A+ financing round. Bravo!
KargoBot was established in 2021 and incubated by DiDi’s self-driving department before becoming an independent firm. It utilizes a hybrid formation model for logistical transportation, where a human driver operates a lead vehicle guiding several self-driving trucks, like a convoy, but the cars following are autonomous.
“KargoBot has achieved significant localized operational results in Ordos,” the company noted. “We will continue to assist it in leveraging its technological innovation to promote the transformation and upgrading of the regional freight industry, striving to make the city a benchmark for autonomous driving in the country.”
Participating in the funding were Ordos State-Owned Assets Investment Holding Group, Shenzhen Capital Group, heavy truck manufacturer Shanxi Automobile Group, and Orinno Capital.
The proceeds of this funding will be used to accelerate the commercialization of KargoBot’s autonomous freight operations.
This isn’t the first time for KargoBot, since last June, they managed to secure over a whopping $83 million in a different Series A financial round, which also saw Ordos State-Owned Assets Investment participating, together with container truck manufacturer CIMC Vehicle Group and autonomous driving chip provider Horizon AI.
DiDi x music industry
This week, ridesharing company in China, DiDi, announced its renewal of vows with BRING - Universal Music for Brands.
BRING Agency is a daughter of Universal Music Group, the globe’s number one music-based entertainment company. This creative agency creates Cultural Capital for brands, turning fan love into brand love.
“We are seeing a new generation of fans starting to turn away from the’ big and shiny’. As the music industry recalibrates after a slew of music festival cancellations, many of those multi-day offerings, we are starting to see fans turning to more unique ways to connect with the artists they love.” stated Brooke Pilton, BRING’s general manager.
They added how DiDi has passionately leaned into this trend, and through this partnership, they can place the brand at the hearts of young fans and their demands to create a platform where they own the music, not just play it.
“2025 is set to be even more exciting for the brand as we further cement the brand in late-night dance culture,” Pilton further said.
DiDi also got something to say. Its chief marketing officer, Tim Farmer, shared how music is among the key pillars in connecting new audiences.
“Last year’s pop-up with Young Franco proved the thirst for fans looking for unique music experiences, and we saw at the time we were onto something special that not only allowed the brand to show up in a new way but gave us something meaningful to add to music culture. It was a no-brainer to continue this momentum in 2025 with more live moments,” Farmer added.
Last year, DiDi had a partnership with DJ and producer legend Young Franco.