WeRide, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, has officially been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “WRD.” This milestone makes WeRide the world’s first autonomous technology company to go public and the first publicly listed robotaxi company. With an initial public offering (IPO) price set at $15.5 per American depositary share (ADS), the company anticipates a promising financial start on the exchange. If underwriters exercise their granted options fully, WeRide is prepared to issue 8,903,760 ADS in total, targeting an expected capital raise of $458.5 million from both the IPO and a concurrent private placement.
Founded in 2017, WeRide has concentrated on advancing autonomous driving solutions ranging from Level 2 to Level 4 autonomy, covering multiple industries and applications. Over the years, the brand has established an impressive lineup of autonomous driving products and services, including its Robotaxi, Robobus, Robovan, and Robosweeper, alongside advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These offerings support a variety of use cases, such as smart mobility, logistics, and urban sanitation, showcasing the company’s commitment to driving autonomous innovations across a broad spectrum of applications.
This achievement highlights WeRide’s steady journey from a startup to a global leader in autonomous technology, cementing its reputation within the industry. Over the past six years, WeRide has developed an advanced portfolio of products and services to meet the evolving demands for autonomous driving solutions. By addressing complex transportation needs, such as smart mobility and logistics, WeRide’s technology is positioned to impact both consumer and commercial markets significantly.
What sets WeRide apart in the autonomous driving sector is its regulatory achievements and global reach. The company is the only autonomous technology brand with driving licenses for autonomous vehicle operations in China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and the United States. Additionally, WeRide’s ongoing research, testing, and operational efforts extend across 30 cities in seven countries, giving the company a strong competitive edge in expanding its global footprint. This global licensing and operational reach showcase WeRide’s capacity to meet diverse regulatory requirements and drive autonomous innovation worldwide.
The funds raised from this IPO will further accelerate WeRide’s research and development initiatives, positioning the company to build on its existing momentum and bring its cutting-edge technologies to new regions and markets. The capital will likely be directed toward enhancing product offerings, advancing AI-based innovations, and expanding the brand’s technological infrastructure. With these developments, WeRide aims to refine and optimize its autonomous solutions to ensure they deliver enhanced safety, efficiency, and convenience for users across different markets.
WeRide’s Nasdaq listing also signals a growing interest and confidence in the autonomous driving industry. As demand for autonomous transportation solutions rises globally, the company’s debut on the public market not only elevates its visibility but also sets a precedent for other autonomous vehicle firms. By making autonomous technology more accessible and implementing it at scale, WeRide is positioned to impact how the world approaches transportation and logistics, pioneering a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future for autonomous mobility.
In this new chapter as a public company, WeRide is set on driving forward with its mission of delivering innovative autonomous solutions that reshape the transportation landscape across the globe.
