MiniMax Founder Was Once Dismissed as a Fraud by Big Tech: Q&A

Showing an aptitude for math from an early age and revering Albert Einstein, Yan Junjie has come a long way from his small-town roots.

The 36-year-old now heads up $6 billion startup MiniMax, whose Friday debut in Hong Kong marks one of China’s most anticipated AI IPOs, just a day after a positive reception for rival Zhipu. The two listings are seen as a defining moment for China’s AI industry and its ability to compete with US developers.