The Transformative Shift of China's Automotive Supply Chain: LeeKr's Emergence as a Key Player

In recent years, China's electric vehicle (EV) industry has transitioned from a niche market into a powerhouse on the global stage. This remarkable evolution is highlighted by a significant uptick in EV exports. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, China shipped over 2 million electric vehicles, marking nearly a 100% increase from the previous year. Chinese EVs have now become synonymous with a new era of 'Made in China', visible on streets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

As part of this transformation, the global automotive market is also experiencing a notable shift. Reports show that from January to September 2025, approximately 70.53 million vehicles were sold worldwide, with new energy vehicles constituting over 22% of this total. Strikingly, China accounted for nearly 70% of the global growth in NEV sales, solidifying its status as the linchpin in the electrification movement.

China's supply chain now commands a substantial share, controlling between 70% to 85% of critical components like batteries. This dominance has laid the groundwork for a new era in intelligent mobility. With a robust infrastructure in place, the supply chain encompasses not only traditional OEMs but has also spurred a transformative shift in how component suppliers, like LeeKr Technology, are perceived.

LeeKr is at the forefront of this evolution. Recognizing the need for comprehensive chassis-level system solutions, the company is pioneering advancements that transition mechanical components to core enablers for intelligent driving. Innovations such as brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire are paving the way for vehicles that can make algorithmic decisions safely. By centralizing and restructuring application software, LeeKr is poised to provide secure and efficient solutions for an era defined by software-driven vehicles.

The reconfiguration of the supply chain signifies emerging competitive advantages, with LeeKr exemplifying this new paradigm. Founded in 2021, the company has rapidly gained traction, raising over USD 284 million in funding within just four years. This impressive financial growth is indicative not only of its potential but also of the backing it receives from significant players in the technology and mobility sectors.

Prominent investors, including technology veteran Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, have recognized the long-term prospects of LeeKr. The company secured USD 28.4 million in Series A funding in 2022, attracting attention not purely for immediate financial returns but for its strategic direction and technological capabilities. The confidence expressed by these early investors set the stage for subsequent rounds of financing, illustrating a broader trend where investor interest is increasingly aligned with industry dynamics.

The shift in perception of LeeKr was solidified in 2023 when it closed a USD 56.8 million Series B round with contributions from national research institutions and major automotive players. This capital infusion is strategically important, marking a move toward enhanced collaboration within China’s intelligent electric vehicle ecosystem. LeeKr is not merely viewed as a promising startup anymore; it is now recognized as an integral participant in the automotive sector's strategic landscape.

By 2024, LeeKr's growth trajectory continued upward as it completed a Series C funding round, raising over USD 142 million. Investors from government guided funds and major OEMs were notably involved. Such investments underscore the shifting role of LeeKr, now firmly embedded within the core of China's electric vehicle supply chain.

As the world witnesses a rapid transition towards electrification and intelligent vehicle architectures, the importance of mastering the underlying systems becomes paramount. LeeKr's history of funding tells a compelling story—one that illustrates a shift in the identity of its client base. Major OEMs such as China FAW Group and BAIC are now stakeholding partners, indicating a long-term commitment to collaboration and validation in the industry.

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