Templewater’s Investment in China’s Neolix: How Robovans Could Transform Oman’s Business Landscape
MUSCAT, OCT 24 — Templewater, a leading pan-Asia alternative asset manager, has announced its successful participation in the Series D financing round of Chinese autonomous vehicle manufacturer Neolix. This investment aims to facilitate the future introduction of Neolix’s robovans in Oman and the broader region.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Templewater is actively supporting Oman’s vision to become a regional hub for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and low-carbon technologies. Last month, Templewater partnered with Future Fund Oman (FFO), the investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), to launch a joint Energy Transition Fund with an initial capital of $200 million. Managed by Templewater, the fund will target high-impact sectors such as clean molecules, energy storage, e-fuels, smart mobility, renewables, and green data centers. Further underscoring its commitment to Oman, Templewater has established an office in Muscat.
In the recent Series D financing round, Templewater alongside other investors helped raise over $600 million for Neolix, marking the largest private fundraising to date in China’s autonomous driving sector.
Beijing-based Neolix is the world’s largest provider of Level 4 autonomous intra-city logistics solutions. Its robovans—self-driving electric vehicles equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, radar, and GPS—are designed to navigate public roads and autonomously deliver goods. To date, Neolix has deployed more than 10,000 Level 4 robovans across over 300 cities in China, operating without human intervention in most environments.
Neolix announced that the funds raised will be invested in advancing algorithm and technology research and development, launching new products for diverse commercial uses, enhancing its service network and user experience, and accelerating global expansion. The company currently leads the express delivery sector and is expanding into fresh food, cold chain, and instant delivery services.
In the Gulf region, Neolix has already secured the UAE’s first robovan license through a partnership with an Abu Dhabi-based tech firm. Dr. Yufeng Wan, Partner and Head of Energy Transition Investment at Templewater, expressed confidence that the robovan concept holds strong potential for Oman and other international markets, with Templewater committed to supporting this growth.
“At Templewater, we are deeply committed to empowering visionary companies that drive innovation and commercialisation,” Dr. Wan stated. “We are proud to partner with Neolix as it expands beyond mainland China to Hong Kong, Oman, and other global markets, leveraging our extensive networks across Asia-Pacific and the GCC to accelerate automation in the global logistics industry.”
Aligned with Oman’s green energy transition and Oman Vision 2040 goals, deploying Level 4 autonomous robovans could transform logistics hubs such as SOHAR Port and Freezone, Khazaen, and Duqm Special Economic Zone. These electric, self-driving vehicles can safely operate within secure logistics corridors, transporting goods between warehouses, factories, and container yards without human drivers.
By integrating with smart mobility platforms and IoT-based fleet management systems, robovans have the potential to significantly advance Oman’s transition towards cleaner, more efficient, and digitally integrated transport infrastructure.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Templewater’s investment in Neolix and their push to introduce Level 4 autonomous robovans in Oman signals a transformative opportunity for Oman’s logistics and transport sectors, aligning strongly with Oman Vision 2040’s green and digital transition goals. Businesses in Oman’s industrial hubs like SOHAR and Duqm should prepare for integration with smart mobility technologies, while investors and entrepreneurs must consider the expanding potential in autonomous electric logistics, which promises efficiency gains and environmental benefits. This move positions Oman as a strategic testbed for next-generation clean and automated transport solutions in the GCC region.
