Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta, backed by major carmakers including Toyota, raised $750 million in its initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 8, 2026. Shares of Momenta opened nearly 2% higher on debut, reflecting investor optimism about the company's potential to shape the future of autonomous vehicles. However, the stock ended the day flat as concerns about the startup's profitability tempered enthusiasm.

A Momenta robotaxi was showcased at the Auto Shanghai show in April 2025, highlighting the company's technological advancements in self-driving vehicles. Despite the cautious market response, the IPO marks a significant milestone for the Chinese unicorn in the autonomous driving sector.

Investors continue to balance hopes for Momenta's innovative technology against the challenges of achieving sustainable profits in the competitive autonomous vehicle industry.

Sources