VenHub Global Inc., a developer of automated retail stores, plans to pursue a direct listing on a US stock exchange.

The Los Angeles-based company filed confidentially with the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week, according to CEO Shahan Ohanessian.

Shares could begin trading publicly as early as next month or in early October.

A direct listing allows companies to list on an exchange without raising new capital, which is different from a traditional initial public offering.

This decision follows a terminated attempt to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in May.

That proposed deal would have valued the combined entity at US$715 million.