Tencent-Backed Enflame IPO Draws 6,109x Demand

Tencent-backed Chinese AI chipmaker Shanghai Enflame Technology priced its Shanghai STAR Market IPO at 142.18 yuan per share, raising about 6.1 billion yuan ($910 million) to develop and produce fifth- and sixth-generation AI chips. The offering drew orders from more than 7 million online accounts, oversubscribing the retail tranche by as much as 6,109 times and producing a winning rate of just 0.025% after shares were shifted from institutional to online investors. The frenzy reflects investor enthusiasm for domestic alternatives to Nvidia as Beijing promotes semiconductor self-sufficiency amid tighter U.S. export restrictions. Enflame is one of China’s leading AI chip startups, but it remains unprofitable and relies heavily on Tencent, which holds about 20% of the company and accounted for 84% of its 2025 revenue.


