Another venture capital firm has rebranded
Want to read in a language you're more familiar with?
Chinese investment firm Lightspeed China Partners has officially changed its name to Luminous Ventures, marking a new chapter in its 19-year presence in China. ...
Chinese investment firm Lightspeed China Partners has officially changed its name to Luminous Ventures, marking a new chapter in its 19-year presence in China. Following its 2023 transition from “Lightspeed China” to “Lightspeed Luminous,” this latest rebrand signifies a deeper commitment to the local market and a renewed mission to “create greater value for entrepreneurs and LPs.”
Luminous Ventures traces its roots back to 2006, when U.S.-based Lightspeed Venture Partners entered China under the leadership of investors Cao Darong and James Mi (Mi Qun). In 2011, Lightspeed China was established as one of the first independent VC entities to raise, invest, and operate locally and focus in early-stage investments. James Mi invested in landmark companies such as Meituan, Pinduoduo, and InnoLight. The firm launched its first RMB-denominated fund in 2016, reaching $560 million in total fundraising by 2019.
By the end of 2021, the firm raised another $920 million, shifting its focus toward hard tech and new energy. In 2023, it adopted the name “Lightspeed Luminous,” inspired by the concept of photosynthesis—absorbing innovation, transforming market needs, and generating social and commercial value. Over the past two years, the firm has deepened its bets in deep-tech and industrial sectors, investing in companies such as Unitree Robotics, MetaX, and Zhipu AI.
A spokesperson for Luminous Ventures told Pandaily, from Lightspeed China Partners to Luminous Ventures, the Shanghai-based firm has evolved into a fully localized investment institution. This evolution witnesses the firm’s commitment to creating long-term value across the innovation ecosystem.（Source：Waves，Luminous Ventures）
