Billionaire Profile
C
Global Rank
#3235

Image: see below | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Cai Wensheng

CEO, photo sharing app
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.11B
Estimated based on photo sharing app stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.43% (24h)
Age
0
Source
photo sharing app
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Cai Wensheng is the founder and chairman of Meitu, a Chinese technology company known for its photo-editing apps and smartphones. With an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, Cai has built his wealth through the photo-sharing app industry. His career began with domain name investments before transitioning into the internet sector and eventually founding Meitu in 2008. He is also an active angel investor, supporting various Chinese startups. Cai Wensheng's leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in Meitu's growth and success.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Cai Wensheng was born in Shishi, Quanzhou, Fujian, China, in 1970. He dropped out of high school and started his entrepreneurial journey early, involved in various businesses including selling daily necessities and pirated tapes. In the 1990s, he transitioned to the domain name business, becoming a successful investor in this area.

Rise to Success

Cai's career took a significant turn when he entered the internet field in 2000. He founded 265.com, a website navigation service, in 2003, which was later acquired by Google in 2007. This acquisition marked a major success for Cai. Following this, he became an angel investor, investing in numerous successful internet companies such as 58.com and Baofeng Yingyin.

Key Business Strategies

Cai Wensheng co-founded Meitu in 2008 with Wu Xinhong. Meitu's core strategy revolved around targeting the female demographic with photo-editing tools, capitalizing on the growing demand for image enhancement. The company expanded its offerings to include smartphones with advanced camera technology. Meitu's success is attributed to its innovative use of AI and facial recognition technologies.

Philanthropy

Meitu has been involved in various corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company has supported causes such as men's health and disaster relief efforts.

Career Milestones

2000

Domain Name Investor

Began investing in domain names, becoming successful in the field.

2003

Founded 265.com

Founded 265.com, a website navigation service, later acquired by Google.

2007

Angel Investor

Became an angel investor, investing in various internet companies including 58.com and Baofeng Yingyin.

2008

Co-founded Meitu

Co-founded Meitu, a photo-editing app company.

2016

Meitu Listed on HKEX

Meitu Inc. went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Causes

Women's Empowerment

$1 million (RMB)

Supported the Peacemakers Network to empower women.

Disaster Relief

Pandemic Relief

Unknown

Donated to Xiamen Charity Federation to help fight the pandemic.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"AI enhances production efficiency, while Web3 improves production relations; their synergy unlocks greater value."

Leadership Principles

Demand-centered

Focus on products or services that meet market demand.

Competitive

Combine strength with passion to succeed in a competitive market.

Added-Value

Ensure the product or service provides added value to attract users.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Data Collection Concerns

Meitu apps were reported to collect user data for advertising purposes. The company denied leaking user privacy.