In technology innovation, you need to be brave enough to take on hard challenges. Technical barriers are the best moats.
Liu Jingkang is included in the Vision section because his entrepreneurial path demonstrates a clear industrial judgment. When live streaming still had dividends, he chose to pivot to the more technically demanding 360 camera segment; when the first product faced a quality crisis, he did not retreat but repositioned through user research, eventually finding a breakthrough in sports scenarios. This ability to enter before technological inflection points, coupled with patience in product refinement, is the archival value this section aims to preserve.
Liu Jingkang graduated from Nanjing University, where he developed a strong interest in technology and participated in various technical projects. [1] After graduation, he chose to start a business with classmates in Shenzhen. The team initially engaged in live streaming, but through market research identified opportunities for improvement in 360 cameras, deciding to focus on 360 camera R&D. [2] Insta360's first product encountered quality issues, leading to a recall. Through user feedback analysis, they found outdoor sports enthusiasts as a key segment, repositioning the product for sports scenarios. [2] Since then, Insta360 has continuously optimized products for skiing, cycling, diving, and other outdoor activities, developing features like the invisible selfie stick algorithm, improved audio capture, and AI editing. [2] In 2025, Insta360 went public on the Shanghai STAR Market. According to the prospectus, the company holds hundreds of patents and sells products in over 200 countries and regions. [3]
Liu Jingkang's entrepreneurial path reflects a typical technology-driven approach: based on technical R&D and guided by user needs. [1] Facing competition from international brands, he chose differentiated innovation, investing in AI features and software experience. [2] On the supply chain, Insta360 established diversified supplier systems and invested in custom chip development to enhance core technology autonomy. [2] Liu has stated that in technology innovation, you need to be brave enough to take on hard challenges; technical barriers are the best moats. [5] This philosophy is reflected in product development, such as the invisible selfie stick algorithm and AI editing features, which are innovations addressing user pain points. [2]
Insta360 has achieved notable market share in the 360 camera and action camera segments, with its global share in action cameras increasing in 2024, making it one of the major players. [4] Products are sold in over 200 countries and regions, providing a case for Chinese tech companies competing in the global consumer electronics market. [3] Liu emphasizes team building and employee welfare, introducing various incentive programs. [2] At the 2025 IPO, he publicly acknowledged the contributions of early team members. [2] Insta360's development not only reflects a typical technology-driven entrepreneurial path but also sets a benchmark for China's smart imaging industry.
Liu Jingkang leaves a business proposition: how to build barriers through continuous technological innovation in a niche market. Insta360's development proves that even when facing international giants, deep focus on user scenarios can secure a global position. His journey offers a template for technology entrepreneurs: from campus to the STAR Market, transforming technical advantages into market advantages.