Hesai Group is planning to raise HK$3.9 billion (approximately $497 million) through its upcoming Hong Kong listing, marking a significant move for U.S.-listed Chinese companies amid recent delisting concerns in the U.S. The company, established in 2014 and now the leading manufacturer of lidar sensors used in vehicles, will offer 17 million shares priced up to HK$228 each, with demand allowing for potential increases. The public offering is set to commence on September 8, with pricing finalized by September 12 and the listing scheduled for September 16.
Noteworthy cornerstone investors, such as Hillhouse Investment and Grab Holdings Ltd., have been attracted to Hesai's offering. A portion of the raised funds is earmarked for research and development aimed at enhancing lidar products for the robotics sector and expanding manufacturing capabilities. However, Hesai’s previous financial activities included raising $192 million from a U.S. IPO in 2023, but its association with a Pentagon blacklist regarding military ties poses a challenge, which the company has publicly denied.
As experts in transportation emphasize, Hesai's return to the Hong Kong market highlights a strategic pivot for tech firms facing regulatory uncertainties in the U.S. This trend may signal a shift towards supportive financial environments and investment opportunities in Asia for tech industries reliant on innovations like lidar, crucial for the advancement of autonomous vehicles and smart transportation systems. The global shift towards safer and more efficient transport solutions further underlines the importance of companies like Hesai in the ongoing technological landscape.