# SmartNews plans December Tokyo IPO as valuation drops

> SmartNews aims for December Tokyo IPO at $317m valuation after AI hurt business.
- Title: SmartNews plans December Tokyo IPO as valuation drops
- Summary: SmartNews aims for December Tokyo IPO at $317m valuation after AI hurt business. SmartNews plans December IPO at ¥50 billion ($317 million) after AI reduced…
- Keywords: smartnews, ipo, tokyo stock exchange, valuation, december, japan, news, politics, world, plans, Tokyo, drops
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/15/smartnews-ipo-valuation-craters
- Author: No Author
- Published: 2026-10-15T11:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: smartnews, ipo, tokyo stock exchange, ai, valuation, december, japan, news, politics, world
## SmartNews plans December IPO
SmartNews is planning an initial public offering in December at a fraction of its previous valuation.
## Target valuation $317m
The Tokyo-based company seeks a market value of about ¥50 billion ($317 million) in the potential IPO.
## Valuation dropped from $2bn
That compares with a valuation of $2 billion in a Series F funding round in 2021.
## AI hurt business model
SmartNews said AI hurt its business model, leading to a potential IPO.
## Failed trade sale
SmartNews considered a trade sale but failed to find a buyer at its target valuation.
## Hired lead managers
SmartNews hired Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities and Nomura Holdings as lead managers for the deal.
## IPO timeline uncertain
Deliberations are ongoing, and details such as the timing and valuation could change.
## Key takeaway

SmartNews plans December IPO at ¥50 billion ($317 million) after AI reduced its valuation from $2 billion.