High Templar Tech Ltd., known as Qudian Inc. until its December 2025 name change, is a technology holding company headquartered in Xiamen, China. Originally founded in 2014 as a prominent online consumer finance and micro-lending platform, the company ceased its loan book operations in 2022 amid regulatory changes in China. Since then, the company has navigated a series of strategic transitions, utilizing its massive cash reserves to explore new ventures. It briefly operated a ready-to-cook meal business (QD Food) and a last-mile delivery service in Australia and New Zealand (Fast Horse), the latter of which generated the majority of its RMB 41.0 million ($5.9 million) operating revenue in 2025 before being wound down.
Today, High Templar Tech is repositioning itself as a B2B financial technology enabler. The company provides financial institutions with business management systems, user identification and risk management tools, and full-scenario precision marketing services. Additionally, it operates a small-scale aircraft leasing business. Despite these operating ventures, the company's financial profile is currently dominated by its treasury management; in 2025, it generated RMB 990.4 million ($141.6 million) in interest and investment income from its $790 million cash pile, which far exceeded its operating revenue. The company continues to actively explore new global business opportunities while managing its legacy transitions.
