Meituan

Meituan, a dominant force in China's e-commerce and local services sector, extends its strategic influence through its dedicated investment arm, Meituan Long-Zhu Capital. Adhering closely to Meituan’s overarching "Retail + Technology" strategy and its mission to "help people eat better, live better," the investment arm primarily focuses on opportunities within the consumer services ecosystem. This includes a broad spectrum of sectors such as food technology, new retail models, community commerce, supply chain logistics, and innovative solutions that enhance daily life and local services.

Meituan Long-Zhu Capital is known for its strategic approach, often investing in companies that complement or expand Meituan's core business offerings. They typically engage with companies across various stages, from early-growth to more mature enterprises, seeking to foster innovation and build synergistic partnerships. Their investment thesis emphasizes long-term value creation, leveraging Meituan's extensive operational data, market reach, and technological expertise to support their portfolio companies' growth.

The investment arm commands substantial financial resources, reflecting Meituan's commitment to strategic investments. For instance, Meituan Long-Zhu Capital successfully closed its fourth fund, Meituan Long-Zhu Fund IV, at an impressive $1.5 billion in 2023, following a $1 billion close for its third fund in 2021. This significant capital base enables them to deploy substantial checks into promising ventures. With a portfolio boasting over 200 investments, Meituan Long-Zhu Capital is an active and influential player in the Chinese venture landscape.

Given their substantial fund sizes and strategic focus, Meituan Long-Zhu Capital typically writes first checks ranging from approximately $5 million for earlier-stage strategic plays to over $100 million for larger growth-stage or strategic investments. Their involvement often goes beyond capital, providing portfolio companies with access to Meituan's vast ecosystem, operational insights, and market leadership, positioning them as a highly attractive partner for entrepreneurs in the consumer and tech sectors.