The Chinese startup behind AI glasses brand NIMO has raised several hundred million yuan in angel funding, bringing its valuation to RMB 1.5B. Gobi Partners is among the investors.
NIMO builds smart glasses aimed at everyday use rather than developer or enterprise buyers, and has already established offline retail channels – an unusual move for a startup at the angel stage, where most competitors sell direct online.
Where the money goes
The company says proceeds will fund new products and core technology, expand its domestic retail network, and support entry into overseas markets.
The timing reflects a crowded field. Smart eyewear has become one of the most contested hardware categories in China, with phone makers, display companies and dedicated startups all shipping or teasing products. Meta donated 1,000 AI glasses in Singapore this week, while XREAL opened preorders for its AURA headset at $1,279.
A distribution-led bet
NIMO’s emphasis on offline channels is the differentiating detail. AI glasses are a fit-and-feel product – buyers want to try them on before committing – so physical retail may convert better than a web listing. Building that footprint early, before the market matures, is expensive but potentially durable.
Whether a brand-first strategy survives against hardware giants with deeper supply chains is the open question. The angel valuation suggests at least some investors think the retail position is worth paying for now.
