## WeRide Inc. IPO Aims for $958 Million, Shares Priced at $15.50 **WeRide Inc.**, a leading autonomous driving technology company, has announced plans for its initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company intends to offer approximately 7.74 million shares at a price between $14 and $16 per share, raising approximately $958 million. ### IPO Details WeRide's IPO will consist of: - **Offering size:** 7.74 million shares - **Price range:** $14 to $16 per share - **Total proceeds:** Approximately $958 million - **Exchange:** Nasdaq - **Ticker symbol:** "WRID" The offering is expected to close on December 15, 2022. Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan are serving as lead underwriters for the IPO. ### Company Overview Founded in 2017, WeRide is a global provider of autonomous driving technology. The company's platform includes sensor systems, software algorithms, and cloud-based services that enable vehicles to operate autonomously in a variety of environments. WeRide has operations in China, the United States, and Israel. ### Market Opportunity The global market for autonomous driving technology is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. According to Allied Market Research, the market is projected to reach $66.8 billion by 2030, up from $11.7 billion in 2020. This growth is being driven by increasing demand for safety and convenience in transportation. WeRide believes that it is well-positioned to capitalize on this market opportunity. The company has a strong track record of innovation and a deep understanding of the autonomous driving technology landscape. ### Competitive Landscape WeRide faces competition from a number of established players in the autonomous driving industry, including Waymo, Cruise Automation, and Baidu. However, the company believes that it can differentiate itself through its focus on mass production and its global presence. ### Investment Rationale Investors may consider investing in WeRide Inc.'s IPO for the following reasons: - **Leader in autonomous driving technology:** WeRide is a global leader in the development and commercialization of autonomous driving technology. - **Growing market opportunity:** The market for autonomous driving technology is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. - **Experienced management team:** WeRide's management team has a deep understanding of the autonomous driving technology landscape. - **Strong financial performance:** WeRide has a strong track record of financial performance, with revenue growing rapidly in recent years. ### Risks to Consider Investors should also consider the following risks before investing in WeRide Inc.'s IPO: - **Competition:** WeRide faces competition from a number of established players in the autonomous driving industry. - **Regulatory risks:** The autonomous driving industry is subject to regulation, which could impact WeRide's business operations. - **Technology risks:** The development and commercialization of autonomous driving technology is a complex and challenging process. ### Conclusion WeRide Inc.'s IPO is a significant event in the autonomous driving industry. The company is a leader in the development and commercialization of autonomous driving technology, and it is poised to benefit from the growing market opportunity. However, investors should carefully consider the risks involved before investing in the IPO.
