NewLink Included Again in Global Unicorn Index by Hurun Research Institute

Rhea-AI Summary

NewLink, a start-up specializing in energy digitalization, EV charging services, and transport energy transformation, has been named a 'Hurun Global Unicorn' for the fifth consecutive year in the Global Unicorn Index 2024. The index reveals a total of 1,453 unicorn companies globally, valued at USD 4.6 trillion, with a significant presence in fintech, software services, and AI sectors. China ranks second in unicorn companies, with a focus on AI, semiconductor, and new energy industries.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The inclusion of NewLink in the Global Unicorn Index for the fifth consecutive year reflects a sustained market confidence in its business model and growth potential. The consistent recognition is significant in attracting further private investments and talent, which are critical for a company operating in the competitive fields of energy digitalization and EV charging services. The company's focus on IoT solutions and digital energy asset operations aligns well with the global push for carbon neutrality, a trend that is gaining momentum and influencing investor sentiments.

While the annual GMV of over RMB 100 billion is an impressive figure, it is essential to understand the context of this metric. Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) represents the total sales value of merchandise sold through a particular marketplace over a time period. However, it does not account for the net revenue of the company, as it does not consider returns, discounts, or the actual profitability of these transactions. Investors should look for additional financial metrics such as net profit margins and customer acquisition costs for a more comprehensive understanding of NewLink's financial health.

Financial Analyst

The Global Unicorn Index 2024 indicates a broader industry trend where AI, fintech and software services are garnering significant capital investment. This trend can influence stock markets by highlighting sectors that are ripe for growth and innovation. For instance, the rise of AI as a leading industry reflects an investment shift towards technology-driven solutions, which can have a ripple effect on related stocks and sectors.

China's position as a hub for 340 unicorn companies, particularly in AI, semiconductors and new energy, suggests a robust startup ecosystem conducive to innovation. This can positively impact Chinese markets and potentially increase foreign investment interest. However, it's important for investors to consider regulatory risks, given China's evolving regulatory landscape, particularly in tech and finance sectors. Moreover, geopolitical tensions can affect market stability and should be factored into any investment decisions involving companies in these regions.

Energy Sector Analyst

NewLink's presence in the energy digitalization and EV charging sectors positions it at the forefront of the energy transition movement. The company's work in full-chain energy conservation and carbon emission reduction is particularly relevant given the global emphasis on sustainability and the transition to greener energy sources. The focus on photovoltaics (PV), energy storage and related sectors is aligned with industry trends and consumer demand for renewable energy solutions.

However, the energy sector is subject to volatile market conditions, regulatory changes and technological advancements. Therefore, while NewLink's valuation and growth are promising, the long-term success of the company will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and continue to innovate. Investors should monitor developments in renewable energy policies, advancements in energy storage technology and competition within the EV charging market to assess the potential impact on NewLink's business trajectory.

BEIJING, April 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 9, the Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2024 in Guangzhou, a ranking of the world's start-ups founded in the 2000s, worth at least a billion dollars and not yet listed on a public exchange.

NewLink, with its successful digital practices in energy digitalization, EV charging services, and transport energy transformation, once again made the list, enjoying the title of "Hurun Global Unicorn" for the fifth consecutive year. The list also includes companies such as ByteDance, SpaceX, and OpenAI.

The Hurun Research Institute has been tracking unicorn companies since 2017, and this is the sixth time it has announced the Global Unicorn Index. The list shows that as of January 1, 2024, there are a total of 1,453 unicorn companies in 291 cities and 53 countries worldwide, with a total value of USD 4.6 trillion. Over the past year, a third of all global unicorn companies were in the sectors of fintech, software services, and AI. China, with 340 unicorn companies, ranked second globally, just behind the United States. China is home to a quarter of the world's unicorn companies. Those companies were mainly specialized in AI, semiconductor, and new energy.

Rupert Hoogewerf, Chairman and Chief Research Officer of the Hurun Report, said that over the past year, a new unicorn company was born every two days globally, with the total number growing to three times that of five years ago. In 2024, AI replaced e-commerce to become one of the top three popular industries. In China, the fields in which unicorn companies are specialized have shown different distribution characteristics from previous years. In 2024, a number of start-ups in the new energy industry appeared on the list, involving various sectors such as PV, energy storage, energy digitalization, EVs, and charging services.

As an IoT solution provider and a digital energy asset operator, NewLink, founded in 2016, spurs the development of full-chain energy conservation and carbon emission reduction to contribute to global carbon neutrality by leveraging digital technologies. Currently, NewLink enjoys an annual GMV of over RMB 100 billion, accounting for about 3% of China's energy retail market. Its business focuses on two scenarios: gas stations and charging stations, providing energy digitalization, asset management for gas and charging stations, and supply chain services for the upstream and downstream industries. Through its innovative business model of NewLink as a Service, NewLink has connected thousands of gas stations and 876,000 chargers. It has packaged refueling and charging services into the vehicles of 80% of OEMs in China to build the fuel and electricity integrated digital network.

NaaS (NASDAQ:NAAS), as a global operator of new energy assets, delivers one-stop services from site selection consulting to software/hardware procurement, EPC, operation and maintenance, energy storage and PV, for charging pile manufacturers, charging station operators and OEMs in the whole new energy industry chain, with a view to engaging EV owners in better charging experience and streamlining operation of all industry chain players.

Digital technology has become an important engine for promoting high-quality industrial development, and the transport energy industry is enjoying the engine first. In 2023, NaaS, boasting its own connection and operation capabilities, launched the NEF (NaaS Energy Fintech) system and integrated the system with user-side distributed resources such as EVs, public charging piles, and integrated PV-storage-charging stations. The system can intelligently optimize the operation, trading, and coordination regarding the transport energy. Based on the AI model, the system can provide services such as intelligent site selection, assessment, scheduling, operation, and maintenance for charging stations, thus helping government agencies and station investors scientifically plan and arrange charging infrastructures and improve operation efficiency.

NewLink has been included in the "Global Unicorn Index" for five consecutive years and has repeatedly ranked among the "Top 500 Global Unicorn Companies" and "Top 500 Global New Energy Companies". Prior to this, NewLink has completed multiple rounds of financing, with shareholders including Bain Capital, Joy Capital, CICC Capital, CR Capital MGMT, and China Merchants Capital.

Contact:
Sabrina Wang
wangxuedong@newlink.com

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SOURCE NewLink

FAQ

What is the focus of NewLink as mentioned in the PR?

NewLink specializes in energy digitalization, EV charging services, and transport energy transformation.

How many unicorn companies are listed in the Global Unicorn Index 2024?

The index includes a total of 1,453 unicorn companies globally.

What is the total value of unicorn companies in the Global Unicorn Index 2024?

The total value of unicorn companies in the index is USD 4.6 trillion.

Which sectors have a significant presence among global unicorn companies?

Fintech, software services, and AI sectors have a significant presence among global unicorn companies.

In which country does China rank in terms of unicorn companies?

China ranks second globally in unicorn companies, just behind the United States.