Ant group's lingbo CEO zhu xing addresses independent funding: not due to financial needs, but for talent incentives and governance

On September 11, 2026, at the 2026 Inclusion· Bund Summit, Zhu Xing, CEO of Ant Group's Lingbo, addressed questions about the company's first round of independent funding. Zhu clarified that the move was not due to a lack of funds or credit cards, but to address two key issues. First, he emphasized the need for Lingbo to operate as an independent entity, better adhering to board governance and operational responsibility, thus improving efficiency and competitiveness in long-term markets. Zhu also stated that key talent would not be a bottleneck, highlighting the diverse expertise of the team, including academics transitioning to industry, experts in autonomous driving, and professionals with internet and commercial backgrounds. He noted that embodied intelligence requires a comprehensive system, with models being a crucial but not sole component. Previously, it was reported that Lingbo had initiated its first round of funding, aiming to raise 1.5 billion yuan, with a second round targeted for completion by year-end.