Saimo Technology \China

Step 2 - Real-World Validation and Pilot (Months 6-18): Convert 5 trucks to autonomous operation with full sensor suite ($200K per truck). Deploy in Shenzhen port with safety drivers for 12 months, targeting 500K real-world miles. Focus on data collection and edge case discovery—every disengagement is logged, analyzed, and added to training set. Iterate model weekly using real-world data: retrain on AWS P5 instances, validate in simulation, deploy via OTA updates. Build relationships with 3 pilot customers (freight forwarders) offering free service in exchange for feedback. Develop fleet management platform for remote monitoring, route optimization, and predictive maintenance. Achieve key milestone: 1000 miles between disengagements by Month 18. Secure Series A ($40M) based on demonstrated technical progress and pilot customer validation. Deliverable: 500K real-world miles logged, 3 pilot customers operational, 1000 miles between disengagements, Series A closed.

Step 3 - Commercial Launch and Wedge Domination (Months 18-36): Scale Shenzhen operations to 20 autonomous trucks, remove safety drivers for 80% of routes (keep for edge cases and regulatory compliance). Launch commercial TaaS offering at $180 per container move, targeting 50K container moves in Year 2. Expand to 2 additional ports (Guangzhou, Ningbo) with 10 trucks each, replicating Shenzhen playbook. Invest heavily in operational excellence: 24/7 remote monitoring center, predictive maintenance to achieve 98%+ uptime, customer success team ensuring seamless integration. Achieve unit economics: $150K truck cost, $50K annual operating cost, $400K annual revenue per truck (2000 moves at $200 each), 4x ROI. Prove the wedge works: 40 trucks across 3 ports, 150K annual container moves, $30M revenue run rate, positive unit economics. Secure Series B ($80M) to fund national expansion. Deliverable: 40 autonomous trucks operational, $30M revenue run rate, positive unit economics proven, Series B closed.

Step 4 - Scale and Moat Building (Months 36-60): Expand to 10 ports (Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Zhanjiang) with 50 trucks each, reaching 500-truck fleet. Leverage operational data flywheel: 10M+ real-world miles creates best-in-class model that competitors can't match without similar scale. Introduce dynamic pricing algorithm optimizing for utilization and margin. Build strategic partnerships with truck OEMs (FAW, Sinotruk) for preferential vehicle pricing and co-development of next-gen autonomous trucks. Expand service offerings: not just port drayage but short-haul logistics within 50km of ports, capturing $100M+ TAM. Achieve profitability: 500 trucks generating $200M revenue, $120M operating costs (fleet, monitoring, maintenance, overhead), $80M gross profit, $20M net profit. Position for exit: acquisition discussions with JD Logistics, SF Express, or Alibaba (Cainiao) at $2-3B valuation, or prepare for IPO on Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Deliverable: 500-truck fleet, $200M revenue, $20M net profit, clear path to $1B+ revenue, exit optionality.