Key Takeaways
- Manfen Yundong raised $7.5M (Series A) from Shunxi Fund, Shenzhen Longhua District Longhua Capital.
- Sector: Education & Edtech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, Software & Gaming.
- Geography: China.
Analysis
Manfen Yundong, a pioneering Chinese firm leveraging artificial intelligence for youth sports education, has successfully closed a Series A funding round. The investment, estimated between $5 million and $10 million, was co-piloted by Shunxi Fund and Shenzhen Longhua District Longhua Capital. This infusion of capital propels the company's valuation into the hundreds of millions of yuan, underscoring significant investor confidence in its innovative approach to physical education.
Established in 2022 and nurtured within the academic environment of Peking University, Manfen Yundong is at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into sports training for young individuals. The company has developed proprietary AI solutions, including 'Feichi,' China's first large language model specifically designed for youth sports, and an AI coaching assistant, 'Xiao Man Teacher.' These tools, developed in collaboration with the National Engineering Research Center for Video and Visual Technology, utilize visual motion capture for real-time performance analysis, offering a sophisticated digital layer to athletic development.
The platform functions as a virtual personal trainer, generating bespoke training regimens tailored to each student's unique physical attributes and progress. By constructing individualized skeletal models and tracking habit formation, Manfen Yundong delivers precise recommendations to enhance performance and foster consistent engagement. The company further boosts user participation through gamified elements, incorporating competitive challenges to make physical activity more appealing and dynamic for its young user base.
Manfen Yundong has demonstrated rapid market penetration, currently serving over 300,000 young users across more than 200 educational institutions in 11 Chinese cities as of late 2025. Its technology has been integrated into the standard physical education curricula of prominent schools, including Renmin University Affiliated High School and Tsinghua Affiliated High School. This widespread adoption highlights the growing demand for tech-enhanced educational solutions in China's K-12 sector, a market segment experiencing substantial growth driven by a focus on holistic child development.
The company's leadership is deeply rooted in both athletic achievement and academic rigor. Founder and CEO Zhou Yinmeng, a former national youth athlete, brings a unique perspective informed by his PhD in Management from Peking University and postdoctoral research at Beijing Sport University. The core team comprises a formidable group of 4 PhD holders, 15 master's degree holders, 3 world champions, and 21 elite athletes, creating a powerful synergy of expertise.
Financial performance indicates strong upward momentum, with contract sales revenue experiencing an annual growth rate exceeding 100% between 2022 and 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, Manfen Yundong aims for revenue in the hundreds of millions of yuan, driven by continued expansion of its B2B school partnerships and the rollout of direct-to-consumer offerings. A consumer-facing app launched in March 2026, targeting ages 5-15, and the company plans to introduce consumer hardware, such as a smart rowing machine and a portable AI sports camera, later this year. The Series A funds will be strategically allocated to advance technological development, broaden geographic reach, and scale both its educational and consumer product lines.