Axera Semiconductor (HKG:0600) launched its Hong Kong initial public offering on Friday, seeking to raise about HK$2.96 billion from the deal.

The China-based provider of AI inference systems-on-a-chip is offering 104.9 million H-shares at HK$28.20 apiece, according to a Hong Kong bourse filing.

The offering comprises 10.5 million shares for Hong Kong investors and 94.4 million shares for international investors, subject to reallocation and the overallotment option.

Allocation results are due on Feb. 9, ahead of the company's planned trading debut on the Hong Kong Exchange on Feb. 10.

Net proceeds will be used primarily to strengthen Axera's AI chip technology platform, expand R&D, and accelerate new product development across smart vision, smart vehicles, and edge computing.

Funds will also support sales expansion, strategic investments and acquisitions, and working capital and general corporate purposes.

China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities, Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong), and BOCOM International Securities are serving as sponsor-overall coordinators, joint global coordinators, joint bookrunners, and joint lead managers.