Core Viewpoint - Soul has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the fourth time since its attempt to go public in the US in 2021, showing improved financial performance with a revenue of 1.68 billion yuan in the first eight months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 17.8% [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first eight months of 2025 reached 1.68 billion yuan, reflecting a 17.8% year-on-year growth [1] - Operating profit turned positive in 2023 and has continued to grow, with customer acquisition costs significantly reduced, leading to a decrease in sales expenses from 1.5 billion yuan in 2021 to 890 million yuan in 2024 [1] - Monthly active users (MAUs) are projected to slightly increase from 26.2 million in 2023 to 28 million in 2025, while daily active users (DAUs) are expected to rise from 9.4 million in 2023 to 11 million in 2025 [2] Business Model and Strategy - Soul positions itself as a leading AI and immersive social platform, focusing on user interests and personalities rather than physical appearance, creating a unique emotional oasis for users [3][4] - The company plans to allocate funds raised from the IPO towards expanding into XR, virtual spaces, and AI-driven technologies related to the metaverse [3][4] - The revenue structure remains highly concentrated, with virtual goods and membership services accounting for over 90% of total income, while advertising revenue is less than 10% [7] User Engagement and Challenges - The average revenue per paying user has increased by approximately 140% to 104.4 yuan, with daily active users spending over 50 minutes on the platform [7] - Despite the positive financial indicators, the user payment rate remains low, peaking at only 6.5% in 2025, which is significantly lower than competitors [7] - The user base has declined from a peak of 31.6 million MAUs in 2021 to around 26.2 million in 2023, with only a slight recovery expected in 2025 [7] Emotional Value and Market Positioning - Soul's core business revolves around capturing the "emotional value" of young users, addressing the demand for anonymous communication and emotional resonance [8] - The platform's shift towards monetizing social opportunities and efficiency has raised concerns about straying from its original mission of "soul over appearance," potentially altering community dynamics [8] - The introduction of virtual companions has highlighted the challenges of balancing user expectations and trust within the emotional consumption space [8]

文 | 市值榜 贾乐乐 这种环境之下，Soul推进IPO未必能够获得一个合意的估值。那么，Soul为何执着于IPO？一个关于灵魂、情绪的社交故 事，屡次折戟后更换了剧本再次登台，当下的资本市场还会不会买单呢？ 一、再次闯关IPO：从元宇宙到AI+ 编辑 | 嘉辛 近期，Soul又一次递交了招股书。从2021年冲击美股算起，这已是第四次尝试。 和当时相比，现在的Soul有更拿得出手的业绩：2024年收入达到22亿元，2025年前8个月收入16.8亿元，同比增长 17.8%；经营利润从2023年开始转正，并仍在增长趋势里；不再需要烧巨额的资金获客，比如2021年销售开支达到15亿 元，2024年降低至8.9亿元。 不过，现在的资本市场环境也与当时大不相同。 2021年，美股上市公司中，交友软件Bumble、Tinder和Hinge母公司Match Group都处在股价高位。当时的Soul，凭借"不 看脸"的新颖模式和快速增长，估值接近20亿美元。 而现在，两家公司的股价和高点相比，分别跌去了90%+和80%左右。陌陌和探探的母公司挚文集团，股价也有所下 滑。背后有业绩的原因，但杀估值可能是更重要的因素。 打开So ...

2025年11月24日-26日，广东肇庆端州区法院开庭审理的"美个朋友公司涉嫌诈骗案"，引发媒体报道及社会各界广泛关注。 公诉机关的指控内容主要有两点：第一，创始人以骗钱为目的，通过公司化运作，开发交友软件，吸引男用户注册充值，招募女主播诈骗男用户，诈骗男 用户充值金额3.2亿余元；第二，公司员工张某政等人，明知老板袁某东开发手机APP是为了骗钱，仍兼职或全职加入公司提供帮助。 然而，结合庭审披露的证据和行业常识来看，笔者和众多旁听人员都认为，上述指控难以成立。 今天，笔者先谈谈该公司不构成诈骗的主要理由：既不能认定公司有诈骗的主观故意，也不能认定公司有诈骗的客观行为；即使个别女主播涉嫌诈骗，其 也是利用公司软件的合法功能实施的个人行为，与公司没有直接关系。 二、公司没有组织女主播诈骗，反而严格监管大力反对诈骗 起诉书指控：公司通过自招或者和"公会"公司合作的方式，招聘女主播入驻软件，通过诈骗话术诱骗男用户充值送礼物，然后分成获利。 然而事实上，庭审内容显示，美个朋友公司不仅没有自招女主播参与诈骗，没有通过"公会"公司传授女主播诈骗话术，反而建立了一套完整的监管体系， 严格监管大力反对诈骗等违规行为。这种监管 ...

Core Viewpoint - Soul App has submitted its third prospectus to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking its fourth attempt to go public after previous rejections and withdrawals in the U.S. market [1][2] Group 1: Listing Attempts - Soul's journey to IPO has been tumultuous, with the company initially aiming for a NASDAQ listing in 2021 but pausing the process due to internal considerations and support from major shareholder Tencent [2] - Legal challenges, including a lawsuit from Uki over unfair competition, have also hindered Soul's listing efforts, resulting in a freeze of 26.93 million yuan shortly after the IPO application [2] - After two failed submissions to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2022 and 2023, Soul is now making another attempt after more than two years [1][2] Group 2: Financial Performance - In 2023, Soul achieved a profitability turning point, projecting an adjusted net profit of 337 million yuan for 2024, with revenue for the first eight months of 2025 nearing the total revenue of 2022 at 1.683 billion yuan [3] - Revenue figures from 2020 to 2022 show a growth trajectory: 498 million yuan in 2020, 1.2812 billion yuan in 2021, and 1.6674 billion yuan in 2022, with gross margins increasing from 79.9% to 86.3% during the same period [3] - The majority of Soul's revenue comes from emotional value services, which account for over 90% of total revenue, while advertising and other business revenues contribute less than 10% [3][4] Group 3: User Engagement and Demographics - As of August 31, 2025, Soul has approximately 390 million registered users, with daily active users averaging 11 million, 78.7% of whom are from Generation Z [4] - Users spend an average of over 50 minutes daily on the platform, with an 86% engagement rate and a monthly retention rate of 80% [4] - The average monthly revenue per paying user is 104.4 yuan, indicating a stable but potentially stagnant user base in terms of growth [5] Group 4: Strategic Positioning and AI Integration - Soul has shifted its positioning over the years, evolving from "soul social" to "social metaverse for youth," and now to "AI + immersive social" [5][6] - The company emphasizes AI as a core competitive advantage, leveraging its self-developed emotional value model and AI recommendation systems to enhance user experience [5][6] - However, the high costs associated with AI development have risen significantly, from 187 million yuan in 2020 to a projected 546 million yuan in 2024, with 407 million yuan already spent in the first eight months of this year [6][7] Group 5: Regulatory and Compliance Challenges - The integration of AI into Soul's platform raises concerns regarding compliance and regulatory risks, particularly around content generation, copyright issues, and user data privacy [7] - The ongoing debate about the authenticity of AI interactions on the platform highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the company in navigating technological advancements and user expectations [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new paradigm in globalization, characterized by "entrepreneurs going abroad" rather than traditional "enterprises going abroad," highlighting the shift in how Chinese entrepreneurs are establishing local businesses in foreign markets while leveraging Chinese resources and expertise [5][20][24]. Group 1: Case Studies of Successful Companies - "Leshu Shi" became the first Middle Eastern company to list in Hong Kong, achieving a remarkable 2358 times oversubscription and a first-day stock price surge of 35.8%, reaching a market capitalization of over 21.5 billion HKD [5][22]. - The company has a 20.3% market share in Africa's diaper market, producing 6.3 billion pieces annually, and operates eight factories across Africa [5][22]. - "Yalla," a voice social app founded by Yang Tao, has become a leading platform in the Arab world, successfully integrating local cultural preferences with Chinese internet models [12][15]. - "DOORWIN," founded by Chinese entrepreneur Lei Lili in North America, has successfully penetrated the high-end window and door market, selling to 68 countries and achieving 90% of its sales from North America [17][19]. Group 2: Factors Driving the New Paradigm - The rise of "entrepreneurs going abroad" is driven by structural opportunities in emerging markets, where local supply capabilities are limited, allowing Chinese entrepreneurs to fill market gaps [22][24]. - The outflow of Chinese advantages, including a complete manufacturing system and internet operational experience, enables entrepreneurs to leverage these strengths in global markets [23][24]. - Geopolitical factors, such as the U.S.-China rivalry, have made it beneficial for entrepreneurs to establish local entities abroad to avoid regulatory burdens associated with being identified as Chinese companies [23][24]. Group 3: The Role of Hong Kong - Hong Kong serves as a unique and critical platform for these globally-oriented companies, offering a mature regulatory framework for overseas income and facilitating access to both international and mainland investors [26][29]. - The capital market in Hong Kong is recognized for its openness, making it an ideal listing location for companies with complex identities [26][29]. - The success of companies like "Leshu Shi" in Hong Kong may signal a trend where both Chinese-founded companies abroad and foreign companies focusing on the Chinese market increasingly choose Hong Kong for their listings [29]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The new wave of "entrepreneurs going abroad" signifies a shift in the narrative of China's global presence from merely being the "world's factory" to exporting entrepreneurial spirit and operational capabilities [31][32]. - This trend is expected to reshape global business dynamics, introducing a new category of competition that includes localized enterprises with Chinese backgrounds [33]. - The article emphasizes that while challenges exist, the direction of this entrepreneurial movement is significant, indicating a more decentralized and flexible approach to globalization [35].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of Whitney, the youngest self-made female billionaire, who co-founded Bumble after her controversial departure from Tinder, highlighting her journey in the tech and dating app industry [6][36]. Group 1: Whitney's Background and Achievements - Whitney, at 36, led Bumble to a successful IPO in 2021, becoming the shortest-serving female CEO of a public company in the U.S. and the youngest self-made female billionaire globally [6]. - She was part of Tinder's founding team and served as the Vice President of Marketing, playing a crucial role in its early success [6][10]. Group 2: Challenges Faced at Tinder - Whitney faced significant challenges, including gender discrimination and harassment, which ultimately led to her departure from Tinder [6][20]. - Despite her contributions, she was often overshadowed by male counterparts, with her achievements being overlooked in media and award recognitions [14][20]. Group 3: Transition to Bumble - After leaving Tinder, Whitney founded Bumble, a dating app that empowers women to take the initiative in dating, reflecting her commitment to creating a female-friendly platform [22][36]. - The film portrays her journey of establishing Bumble amidst controversies surrounding her previous company, emphasizing her resilience and innovative approach [24][36]. Group 4: Film Representation - The film "点爱成金" (Point Love to Gold) aims to depict Whitney's story as a narrative of female empowerment in the tech industry, contrasting her experiences with the male-dominated environment of Tinder [26][36]. - While the film highlights her success, it also addresses the systemic issues of gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace, providing a deeper reflection on these challenges [28][36].

Group 1: Market Overview - U.S. stock futures were mostly lower, with S&P 500 futures down approximately 0.2% on Tuesday [1] - Several stocks experienced significant declines in pre-market trading [2][4] Group 2: Outset Medical Inc - Outset Medical reported a quarterly loss of 69 cents per share, missing the analyst consensus estimate of a 66 cents loss [2] - The company's quarterly sales were $29.431 million, below the analyst consensus estimate of $30.880 million [2] - Following the disappointing results, Outset Medical shares fell 25.8% to $8.95 in pre-market trading [2] Group 3: Other Companies - Gemini Space Station Inc shares dipped 9.7% to $15.20 after disclosing third-quarter results [4] - CoreWeave Inc saw a decline of 9.2% to $95.90 following its third-quarter results [4] - Life360 shares declined 7.3% to $86.45 after announcing an agreement to acquire Nativo [4] - Century Aluminum Co fell 6% to $30.37 after posting weak quarterly earnings [4] - Beyond Meat Inc declined 6% to $1.26 following a wider-than-expected quarterly loss [4] - Harrow Inc shares fell 5.3% to $32.30 after reporting worse-than-expected quarterly sales [4] - Nanobiotix SA – ADR dropped 5.3% to $20.99 after a previous jump of 12% on Monday [4] - CleanSpark Inc declined 5.3% to $14.24 as it announced the upsize and pricing of a $1.15 billion convertible notes offering [4]

Group 1: Key Events and Outcomes - Kakao founder Kim Beom-soo was acquitted of stock manipulation charges after a year-long legal battle, which had significant implications for his freedom and reputation in the business community [1][7] - Following the acquittal, Kakao's stock price rose by 4%, indicating market confidence in the company post-verdict [1] - The current wealth landscape in South Korea has shifted, with a new financial figure emerging as the country's richest individual, overshadowing traditional conglomerate families [1][15] Group 2: Company Background and Market Dynamics - Kakao, founded by Kim Beom-soo, has evolved into a major player in South Korea's tech landscape, initially gaining traction with its messaging app Kakao Talk and expanding into various sectors including e-commerce and digital payments [10][11] - The company faced challenges in growth due to a saturated domestic market and competition from international platforms, limiting its user base expansion [11][12] - In an effort to enhance its market value, Kakao pursued a strategy of spinning off its profitable divisions, which at one point led to a valuation exceeding 112 trillion KRW (approximately 6.34 billion USD) [12][14] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The entertainment sector in South Korea has seen intense competition, particularly between Kakao and HYBE, with both companies vying for control over SM Entertainment, a major player in the industry [6][7] - The internal conflict within SM Entertainment, involving founder Lee Soo-man and his nephew Lee Sung-soo, has further complicated the competitive dynamics, impacting stock prices and market strategies [2][5] - HYBE's attempt to acquire SM was thwarted by Kakao's strategic stock purchases, leading to legal disputes and highlighting the aggressive tactics employed by both companies in the entertainment sector [6][7]

Core Points - Amazon's cloud computing service experienced a significant outage on October 20, impacting numerous websites and applications globally [1][3] - The service disruption began around 3 AM ET, with increased error rates and network delays reported in Virginia, where Amazon's core infrastructure is located [3] - The outage affected various sectors, including e-commerce, social media, and financial services, with notable applications like Snapchat and Robinhood reporting issues [5] Company Impact - Amazon's cloud services are a critical profit center, projected to generate $107.6 billion in revenue for 2024, accounting for 17% of total revenue, and an operating profit of $39.8 billion, representing 58% of total profit [7] - The company is actively working to restore services through multiple technical routes [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a bug in WeChat that affects the transfer of chat records to new iPhone 17 devices, causing users to encounter a "device space insufficient" error despite having ample storage available [1][2]. Group 1 - Users reported issues when importing WeChat chat records to new iPhone 17 devices, with one user having 1.29TB of available space but still receiving an error message [1]. - The error message indicated that the chat records, which only required 85.16GB of space, could not be imported due to a perceived lack of storage [1]. - A WeChat employee acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a bug in the code that would be fixed soon [2].