WeRide Launches Dual Listing in Hong Kong: A Step Towards Safe Robotaxi Travel
Today marks a significant milestone for WeRide as the company’s shares begin trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move comes just over a year after WeRide debuted on the Nasdaq, aiming to enhance its global footprint. According to Tony Han, the CEO and founder of WeRide, this dual listing is a crucial part of their strategy to secure the funds necessary for advancing their self-driving technology.
WeRide’s shares are now accessible on both the Nasdaq and Hong Kong exchanges. This dual listing allows investors from mainland China to buy shares through the Southbound Stock Connect scheme. Han emphasizes, “We want to make our stock more accessible to investors globally. China is vital not only for consumers but also for investors. By listing in Hong Kong, we can attract those investors limited to the Hong Kong market.”
The funds raised through this Hong Kong listing are expected to support WeRide’s ongoing research and development (R&D) efforts. “While this helps, we will continue looking for more funding,” Han mentioned, highlighting the necessity for innovative companies like WeRide to stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape.
Today also sees fellow robotaxi company Pony AI launch its shares in Hong Kong after its recent IPO. This is part of a broader trend where many Chinese firms aim to leverage Hong Kong to attract both international and mainland capital. Companies like Midea and CATL have already made secondary listings in Hong Kong for the same reason.
However, the situation is not without challenges. Several Chinese companies listed in the U.S. are now contemplating dual primary listings in Hong Kong. This shift comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing regarding auditing standards, leading many firms to see Hong Kong as a safety net should they face delisting in the U.S.
The Southbound Stock Connect enables qualified investors from mainland China to buy shares in Hong Kong. In the first seven months of the year, there was a record inflow of $110 billion through this scheme, exceeding all inflows from the previous year. Investors are increasingly drawn to AI firms, and the booming Hong Kong IPO market is a testament to this trend. The Hang Seng Index has surged by around 32% so far this year, while the Nasdaq Golden Dragon index has risen by 22%.
WeRide managed to raise $308 million during its Hong Kong IPO, with shares priced at 27.10 Hong Kong dollars, slightly lower than its Nasdaq price. However, shares fell nearly 12% on their first day of trading in Hong Kong. The company’s shares have seen a significant decline of over 40% since its U.S. IPO.
The Future of Self-Driving Vehicles
Founded in 2017 by Tony Han—who previously led research at Baidu’s autonomous vehicle division—WeRide operates in several major cities across China and around the world. Remarkably, the company has ongoing pilot programs in countries like Singapore, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with active operations in 30 cities across 10 nations.
WeRide is not just about profit; it’s about making a social impact. The firm was recognized on Fortune’s Future 50 list, highlighting its potential for growth, and it’s also part of the Change the World list, which features companies driving positive change through their business models. Han passionately advocates for the societal benefits of autonomous vehicles, projecting that accidents will decline significantly when machines replace human drivers.
“Most accidents arise from human errors,” Han points out, referencing issues like intoxication, fatigue, and distractions. Unlike humans, machines are not prone to mistakes associated with these factors. “Robotaxis have a far lower fatality rate compared to human-driven vehicles,” he adds.
There are possibilities beyond just reducing accidents. Han discusses how robotaxis could alleviate traffic congestion: “They will adhere to speed limits, ensuring smoother traffic flow.” As birth rates dip and populations age, the need for efficient transport grows. “We must look to AI solutions to fill the labor gap in transportation,” he remarks.
The Robotaxi Business Insights
WeRide has reported $27.9 million in revenue for the first half of 2025, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. However, the company also faced a net loss of $110 million, primarily due to a substantial $90 million investment in R&D. Robotaxis remain a costly venture, with various hidden expenses, and they may not become profitable until several years after launch.
China’s companies are at the forefront of this global shift towards robotaxis. Alongside WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its services. China is pivotal in manufacturing key components for self-driving technology, including advanced lidar sensors.
International ride-sharing businesses are noticing this trend. WeRide is collaborating with Uber for its robotaxi services in the Middle East, while companies like Grab and Lyft are exploring partnerships in Singapore and Europe, respectively.
Tony Han reflects on the past and present of global collaboration, stating, “If WeRide can deliver quality robotaxi technology, it makes sense for others to partner with us to serve everyday users efficiently.”
In conclusion, WeRide’s journey is just beginning, and its vision for safer, smarter transport systems could reshape cities worldwide.
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Original Text – https://fortune.com/2025/11/06/weride-ceo-tony-han-robotaxi-hong-kong-ipo-shares-safety/