November 29 was supposed to mark Haomo.AI’s sixth anniversary. Traditionally, Chairman Zhang Kai and CEO Gu Weihao would jointly release an internal letter. However, on November 22, employees unexpectedly received a "Work Suspension Notice," requiring all staff to halt operations starting November 24, 2025.
"It was surprising, but not entirely unexpected," said one Haomo.AI employee, who is still awaiting further details on unpaid salaries, social security contributions, and compensation. Currently, the company’s active workforce has dwindled to fewer than 300, nearly half the 500+ employees reported in September 2021.
An ex-employee revealed that Haomo.AI had issued a similar suspension notice earlier this year, prompting voluntary departures. Despite three days passing since the latest notice, management remains silent. Attempts to contact executives Zhang Kai and COO Hou Jun went unanswered.
Employees are urging the company to resolve wage and benefit issues promptly. Notably, Haomo.AI has relocated four times in Beijing, with its latest office at Aobei Technology Park. However, the building now stands nearly empty.
Rumors suggest Haomo.AI’s accounts may be frozen, though unconfirmed. The company was recently listed as a被执行人 (enforcement subject) by Beijing Shunyi District Court. The notice mentioned resumption dates would be "announced later," but employees doubt a comeback, citing non-renewal of expiring contracts.
Since late 2024, Haomo.AI initiated layoffs, including rumors about Zhang Kai’s departure. While initial cuts were minor, voluntary exits surged afterward.
Unlike cash-strapped startups, Haomo.AI raised over $1 billion across seven funding rounds, backed by Great Wall Motor (GWM), Meituan, Hillhouse Capital, and others. However, a turning point came in November 2025 when GWM invested $100 million in rival Yuanrong Qixing.
"Haomo.AI once felt secure but lost both orders and investor confidence too late," said a former employee. Meanwhile, GWM launched nationwide NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), while Haomo.AI’s urban NOA lagged.
Haomo.AI attempted a rebound, hiring for next-gen autonomous driving R&D. GWM initially stood by, with a brand executive stating urban NOA deployment was slated for 2026. Haomo.AI also pursued orders from Hyundai, but GWM’s patience wore thin.
A day before the suspension notice, GWM’s Wey brand unveiled its Coffee Pilot Master system—powered not by Haomo.AI but by a VLA-based solution.
Yuanrong Qixing, after its C1 funding round, prioritized mass production, overseas expansion, and Robotaxi commercialization.
Haomo.AI’s decline reflects broader industry consolidation. As NOA transitions from rule-based to AI-driven, first-movers set standards while laggards risk obsolescence.
This year, second-tier suppliers like HoloMatic (bankrupt), QCraft (layoffs), and Haomo.AI (suspended) face existential threats. OEMs now demand bespoke, high-end solutions, intensifying competition.
An industry executive noted, "In 2026, China’s NOA market may consolidate to 2-3 players globally." For second-tier suppliers, the challenge shifts from improving tech to securing buyers.
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