Core Insights - Soul is attempting to leverage AI to create an emotional network, while the capital market scrutinizes its robustness and revenue potential [1] - The company has submitted its prospectus for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to capitalize on the growing AI social market [3] Company Overview - Soul, established in 2016, has developed a unique social platform focused on emotional connections rather than traditional metrics like appearance [4] - 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 [5] Financial Performance - Soul's revenue grew from 1.667 billion to 2.211 billion yuan from 2022 to 2024, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15% [5] - In the first eight months of 2025, revenue increased by 17.8% year-on-year to 1.683 billion yuan, maintaining a double-digit growth trend [6] - The adjusted net profit for 2024 was 337 million yuan, with a significant increase of 73% to 286 million yuan in the first eight months of 2025 [6] Business Model - Soul's revenue model is primarily based on "emotional value services," with over 90% of total revenue coming from AI-driven services [6] - The average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) is 104.4 yuan (approximately 14.3 USD), indicating strong user willingness to pay for emotional value services [12] Market Context - The global AI social market is projected to reach 58 billion USD by 2025, with China being a key player in AI emotional computing [3] - Despite the demand for AI social platforms, the industry faces challenges, including user retention and the need for differentiation in a crowded market [10][11] Challenges and Industry Dynamics - The industry has seen several notable projects fail, highlighting the difficulty in retaining users long-term [11] - Soul's 30-day retention rate for new users is 23%, the highest among Chinese AI social platforms, but still reflects challenges in maintaining user engagement [11] - The AI social sector is experiencing a consolidation phase, with only 10% of applications generating nearly 89% of industry revenue [10] Regulatory and Ethical Considerations - The company is aware of the regulatory landscape and plans to invest in safety mechanisms to address content governance challenges [16] - As AI social platforms navigate innovation and compliance, Soul's ability to balance growth, profitability, and regulatory acceptance will be crucial for its IPO success [17]