(Reuters) -Self-driving startup WeRide raised a combined $440.5 million in its U.S. initial public offering and a private placement on Friday, the latest Chinese firm to capitalize on improving investor sentiment and easing regulatory roadblocks.

WeRide Inc. American depositary shares surged 21% from their initial public offering price after the Chinese self-driving automotive company raised $440.5 million in a first-time share sale and private placement.

The number of Chinese companies that have pursued stock market flotations in the United States had dropped in the past few years, after ride-hailing giant Didi Global was forced to delist its shares following a backlash from Chinese regulators.

Self-driving firm WeRide WRD.O notched a valuation of $4.21 billion after raising $120 million in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO) on Friday, becoming the latest Chinese company to capitalize on easing regulatory hurdles to list in New York.

Self-driving firm WeRide notched a valuation of $4.21 billion after raising $120 million in its U.S. initial public offering on Friday, becoming the latest Chinese company to capitalize on easing regulatory hurdles to list in New York.

SELF-DRIVING car company WeRide notched a valuation of about US$4.2 billion, after raising US$120 million in its US initial public offering (IPO) on Friday (Oct 25), becoming the latest Chinese company to capitalise on easing regulatory hurdles to list in New York.

(Reuters) -Self-driving firm WeRide [WRD.O] notched a valuation of $4.21 billion after raising $120 million in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO) on Friday, becoming the latest Chinese company to capitalize on easing regulatory hurdles to list in New York.