Coffee startup Luckin employs 'asset-light' model

A cup of Luckin coffee.

(ECNS) - Chinese coffee startup Luckin said its decision to use assets such as coffee machines as collateral to secure 45 million yuan () in debt is a normal business model. 

The firm that launched its business in Beijing during 2017 has expanded at breakneck speed and is now seen as a challenger to Starbucks, the largest coffee chain by number of outlets in the world’s second-biggest economy. 

Luckin announced on April 1 that it has used assets in its 1,180 stores across Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Tianjin and other cities as collateral to ZGC Sci-tech Leasing in a deal valid from March 27 to March 31 next year. 

The company explained on Tuesday that it is a normal business move in line with the startup’s asset-light strategy. Equipment-based leasing is a new financial tool to maximize the value of assets, it said. 

Insiders said Luckin is facing financial pressure to turn a profit after trying to increase volume through hefty cash subsidies to consumers. The company is perhaps seeking an IPO.