China's Topu Technology raises $4.49M to scale high-density drone batteries
What's the deal? Foshan Topu TechnologyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised US$4.13M (roughly $4.49 million, converted) in a Series A round, with backing from Huaibei Jishan, Anhui Hengna, and Chongqing Haite. The money will fund a 0.5GWh production base in Huaibei, Anhui, set to start operations in January 2027.
What does it do? Founded in 2019, Topu develops high energy-density lithium batteries and solid-state technology, focusing on lithium-rich manganese cathodes, full silicon-carbon anodes, and composite electrolytes. Founder Chen Guangsen holds more than 30 years of experience in battery research and previously worked in Germany's Varta battery development unit.
Why drones? Drone batteries are Topu's main business. Its 400Wh/kg cells have shipped steadily for two years, and it has started bulk delivery of 460Wh/kg cells. Drones are sensitive to energy density, discharge power, and weight, making them an early entry point for high-performance batteries ahead of the more crowded electric-vehicle market.
By the numbers: Topu expects 2026 revenue of US$24.8M to US$27.5M and says it is already profitable. Its lithium-rich manganese cathode reaches 300mAh/g and is undergoing automotive-grade validation, with the company in talks with FAW Bestune under a confidentiality agreement.
The firm has also extended its high-rate cells into electric motorcycles, supporting sustained 8C and instantaneous 12C discharge, with partners including Kuailun Technology. A line of ultra-thin power banks has passed 3C certification.
What's the endgame? Topu plans small-batch delivery of fully solid-state cells by 2027, targeting electrolyte content of 5% or less and compliance with China's GB/T 43568-2026 standard. It is betting on an oxide-polymer composite electrolyte route, which Chen says requires smaller production-line changes than the sulphide path. "We are optimistic about the industrialisation prospects of lithium-rich manganese solid-state batteries," he said (translated from Chinese).
What could go wrong? The Huaibei base must come online on schedule, and the company needs to scale existing customer deliveries to a far larger volume. Disclosed figures on energy density, profitability, and shipments come mainly from the company and media reports, and should be distinguished from independent verification.
The signal: The round sits at the lower end of its cohort — around the 21st percentile by amount — but it lands as Chinese battery capital keeps flowing into advanced materials and solid-state production. Topu's claim to a profitable, shipping product in drones offers an early commercial foothold for a technology still working its way toward the auto market.
Read more: 36kr.com
Image credit: dirkdavidson1
