The photo, video and livestreaming platform is readying a $1bn round led by Tencent that will value it at $18bn in advance of a flotation later this year.

Internet group Tencent is set to lead a $1bn funding round for China-based social media app Kuaishou that will value it at $18bn, Reuters reported today.

The round’s other investors include venture capital firm Sequoia Capital China and the funding is being raised in advance of an initial public offering the company intends to launch later this year, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Kuaishou runs a mobile app that enables users to upload and share photos and…