F-1/A: Zhibao Technology Inc. Files F-1/A Amendment
Registration Statement Amendment
Zhibao Technology Inc. has filed an amendment to its F-1 registration statement, detailing its business, risks, and a proposed offering of Class A ordinary shares.
Summary
- Zhibao Technology Inc. is an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, operating primarily in China through its PRC subsidiaries, focusing on digital insurance brokerage services.
- The company utilizes a 2B2C digital embedded insurance model, partnering with over 2,400 business channels to reach over 24 million end customers.
- Revenue increased significantly, from RMB 142.1 million in FY2023 to RMB 276.9 million in FY2025, though the company reported a net loss of RMB 62.0 million in FY2025 after achieving profitability in FY2024.
- The filing details recent financing activities, including a private placement with L1 Capital Global Opportunities Master Fund and an equity line of credit with Hudson.
- Significant risks are highlighted, including those related to operating in China, regulatory uncertainties, data security, potential delisting from Nasdaq due to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
- The company is offering up to 23,777,779 Class A ordinary shares for resale by 3i, LP, a selling shareholder.
Sentiment
Score: 3
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as negative due to the reported net loss in the latest fiscal year, the going concern doubt, and identified material weaknesses in internal controls, despite revenue growth.
Positives
- Significant revenue growth, with a 51% increase from FY2024 to FY2025, reaching RMB 276.9 million.
- Pioneering and leading position in China's 2B2C embedded insurance market.
- Extensive network of over 2,400 B channels and a customer base exceeding 24 million end customers.
- Development of over 40 proprietary digital insurance solutions powered by a proprietary PaaS platform.
- Experienced management team with deep expertise in the insurance industry and digital technology.
- Recent financing activities, including a private placement with L1 and an equity line of credit with Hudson, indicate continued investor interest and potential for capital infusion.
Negatives
- Reported a net loss of RMB 62.0 million in FY2025, after achieving profitability in FY2024.
- Substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern due to accumulated deficits and operating cash outflows.
- Identified two material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting.
- Significant risks associated with PRC regulations, including data security, cybersecurity, and potential government intervention.
- Potential for delisting from Nasdaq due to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB cannot inspect auditors.
- Concentrated voting power with the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Botao Ma, who holds approximately 93.8% of the total voting power.
Risks
- Risks related to doing business in China, including changes in political and economic policies, PRC government influence, and uncertainties in legal and regulatory interpretation and enforcement.
- Potential delisting from Nasdaq if the PCAOB cannot inspect auditors for two consecutive years, as per the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act.
- Cybersecurity and data protection risks, including potential breaches and non-compliance with PRC laws like the PIPL and Cybersecurity Law.
- Dependence on key insurance companies for product supply, with three companies accounting for 55% of revenue in FY2025.
- Dependence on B channels for customer acquisition; failure to acquire or retain them cost-effectively could harm the business.
- Reliance on a third-party MGU Partner for MGU services, with risks associated with compliance and contract stability.
- The company's ability to continue as a going concern is subject to successful execution of its business plan and obtaining future financing.
- Potential for significant dilution to shareholders due to outstanding warrants and convertible notes.
- Volatility in the trading price of Class A ordinary shares, which could lead to substantial losses for investors.
- Uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations, which could limit legal protections.
- The company's corporate structure (Cayman Islands holding company with PRC subsidiaries) carries unique risks, including potential disallowance by PRC regulatory authorities.
- Potential for increased labor costs and compliance with PRC labor laws.
- Risks associated with leased properties in China, including unregistered lease agreements and lack of ownership proof from lessors.
Future Outlook
The company plans to accelerate the expansion of its B channels, expand its sales force, drive additional conversions for existing end customers (2C business), upgrade and enrich its digital insurance solutions, upgrade and enhance its PaaS, expand the scale of its MGU business, support its services through its subsidiary reinsurance company, seek new strategic partnerships, and expand its business globally. The company intends to retain all available funds for business operations and growth and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that Zhibao Technology operates in the rapidly evolving InsurTech sector in China, focusing on a digital embedded insurance model. This model leverages technology to integrate insurance services into existing business channels, a trend gaining traction globally. The company's growth and financial performance are closely tied to the regulatory environment in China and the broader adoption of digital insurance solutions.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled Company Status | The company is considered a controlled company under Nasdaq Rules due to Mr. Botao Ma's significant voting power (approximately 93.8%). This allows for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements, though the company does not intend to avail itself of these exemptions currently. | Ongoing | Potential for less shareholder protection if exemptions are utilized in the future. |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders may experience dilution from the issuance of shares upon conversion of notes and exercise of warrants.
- The concentrated voting power of the Chairman and CEO could influence corporate decisions, potentially not aligning with minority shareholder interests.
- Potential delisting from Nasdaq could impact the liquidity and market price of shares, affecting all shareholders.
- Regulatory risks in China could materially affect the company's operations, financial condition, and the value of shareholder investments.
Next Steps
- The company plans to submit a filing to the CSRC within three business days after the SEC declares the registration statement effective.
- The company will continue to expand its B channel network and develop new insurance solutions.
- The company is seeking to improve operational efficiency, implement cost controls, and enhance internal controls.
- The company is seeking equity sales under the Hudson ELOC and plans for future private and public equity offerings.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2021-12-28 | Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021 version) promulgated. |
| 2023-02-17 | CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (New Overseas Listing Rules). |
| 2023-03-31 | New Overseas Listing Rules and Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions became effective. |
| 2024-01-09 | Company filed its 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F. |
| 2024-01-12 | Amendment No. 1 to the 2025 Annual Report was filed. |
| 2024-04-03 | Initial Public Offering (IPO) closed. |
| 2024-07-21 | SEC declared effective the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-286140). |
| 2024-07-22 | Company received $270,000 in a second closing of the second tranche from L1. |
| 2024-09-09 | Hudson Registration Statement No. 333-290132 initially filed with the SEC. |
| 2024-09-23 | Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreement with L1 Capital Global Opportunities Master Fund (L1). |
| 2024-10-24 | Zhibao Labuan Reinsurance received license approval. |
| 2024-11-24 | Company dismissed Marcum Asia CPAs LLP and retained HYYH CPA. LLC as its new independent registered public accounting firm. |
| 2024-12-11 | Company entered into a letter agreement with L1. |
| 2024-12-16 | Company entered into GEM Share Purchase Agreement and GEM Registration Rights Agreement with GEM. |
| 2025-02-14 | Company entered into a letter agreement with L1. |
| 2025-03-11 | Company terminated GEM Transaction Documents, including the GYBL Warrant. |
| 2025-04-22 | Company entered into a financing consulting agreement with a consultant. |
| 2025-04-28 | Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with 3i, LP. |
| 2025-06-22 | Company entered into the Hudson EPA and Hudson RRA. |
| 2025-07-02 | Zhibao China entered into a share purchase agreement (Zhonglian Agreement) with Zhonglian Sellers. |
| 2025-09-30 | Zhonglian Acquisition was completed. |
| 2026-04-08 | Company entered into the 3i SPA with 3i. |
| 2026-04-10 | Company issued and sold an initial 3i Note to 3i. |
| 2026-05-13 | Amendment No. 1 to Form F-1 filed with the SEC. |
Recommendation
holdWhile the company shows strong revenue growth and a leading market position in its niche, the significant net loss in the latest fiscal year, going concern doubts, and material weaknesses in internal controls present considerable risks. The potential for delisting and regulatory uncertainties in China further add to the risk profile. A 'hold' recommendation is appropriate, pending clearer signs of operational improvement, remediation of internal control issues, and stabilization of the financial position.
Keywords
Zhibao Technology, SEC Filing, Form F-1/A, Registration Statement, Class A Ordinary Shares, InsurTech, Digital Insurance Brokerage, China, Cayman Islands, IPO, Convertible Notes, Warrants, 3i LP, L1 Capital, Hudson ELOC, PRC Regulations, Cybersecurity, Data Protection, Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, Going Concern
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