Shares of his company Horizon Robotics Inc., which debuted in Hong Kong on Thursday, rose more than 30% in early trading, lifting the machine learning expert’s fortune to as much as $1.2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Shares of Horizon Robotics ended 2.8% higher on their Hong Kong debut on Thursday, after the Chinese autonomous vehicle maker raised $696 million in this year's largest initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. The company sold 1.355 billion shares at HK$3.99 each, according to the its filings.

Asian equities were mixed overnight despite a stronger US dollar. Hong Kong and South Korea outperformed, while Thailand was closed for Chulalongkorn Day, a national holiday commemorating His Majesty King Chulalongkorn the Great’s passing.

Shares of Horizon Robotics climbed in their trading debut in Hong Kong Thursday, adding to optimism over a revival in initial public offerings in the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong has recorded its busiest week for new IPO launches in almost two years with deals opened to raise up to $1.3 billion, giving bankers and investors confidence the two-year share sale freeze could be easing.

China Resources Beverage shares surged on their Hong Kong debut, buoyed by positive market sentiment as trading activity in the city picks up.

Drinks maker China Resources Beverage's shares ended 15% higher in their Hong Kong debut on Wednesday, giving dealmakers hope that more big-ticket initial public offerings could be on the way. The company sold 347.

Shares of China Resources Beverage Holdings Co. rose more than 14% early in their trading debut in Hong Kong, showing strong response to one of Hong Kong’s biggest initial public offerings this year.

Meanwhile, rival China Longyuan Power gains after deal to buy wind-farm assets from controlling stakeholder Shares of China Resources Power (CRP), one of the nation's most profitable power generators,