Core Viewpoint - Minimax's initial public offering (IPO) on January 9, 2026, saw its market capitalization exceed HKD 100 billion, driven by significant revenue growth, but underlying issues regarding growth quality, business model sustainability, and industry competition warrant scrutiny [1][7]. Revenue Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, Minimax reported revenue of USD 53.437 million, a year-on-year increase of over 170%, with overseas market revenue accounting for 73.1% [1]. - The company's revenue growth is heavily influenced by marketing expenditures, which reached USD 86.695 million in 2024, representing 284.9% of its revenue [7]. Business Model Analysis - Minimax's revenue structure is characterized by a dominance of consumer (C-end) income, which constitutes over 71% of total revenue, primarily from two products: Talkie (35.1% of revenue) and Hai Luo AI (32.6% of revenue) [2]. - The C-end products face significant user retention challenges, with a reported drop in monthly active users by 60% in Q4 2025 [3]. Competitive Landscape - The AI video generation sector, where Hai Luo AI operates, is experiencing intense competition, with competitors like Runway and Pika Labs gaining market share [4]. - Minimax's B-end platform, while covering over 100 countries, lacks the scale and ecosystem influence of industry leaders, limiting its competitive edge [5]. Valuation Concerns - The market's enthusiasm for Minimax's IPO is seen as a reflection of an AI valuation bubble, with its growth driven more by marketing than by sustainable demand [7]. - The company has accumulated a net loss of USD 1.25 billion from 2022 to Q3 2025, with a research and development expense ratio of 337.4% [8]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - Minimax's overseas revenue is concentrated in markets with stringent AI regulations, such as Singapore and the U.S., which could pose compliance risks [8]. - The company faces potential legal challenges related to copyright issues, with lawsuits from major studios claiming unauthorized use of copyrighted materials [15]. Strategic Recommendations - The analysis suggests that Minimax's approach may not be replicable for other Chinese AI companies, emphasizing the need for a shift towards sustainable business practices and localized operations [18][19]. - Companies are encouraged to focus on vertical B-end markets with strong demand and payment capabilities, rather than relying on consumer-driven growth [21].
别再相信AI恋人了,它们连自己都养不活
Ge Long Hui·2026-01-09 17:24