Billionaire Profile
Cai Wensheng
Global Rank
#2352

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Cai Wensheng

CEO, Meitu
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$4B
As of December 2025
Age
0
Source
photo sharing app
Industry
technology
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Cai Wensheng is the founder and chairman of Meitu, a Chinese technology company known for its photo editing app and selfie-focused smartphones. Cai, with an estimated net worth of $4.0 billion, is also an angel investor in Chinese startups. Meitu's success is rooted in its popular photo-sharing app and has expanded into the consumer electronics market. Cai's career includes early involvement in the domain name business and investments in various internet companies, contributing to his significant wealth.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Cai Wensheng was born in 1970 in Shishi, Quanzhou, Fujian. His background as a high school dropout, without formal technology or English language skills, set him apart from many in the venture capital world. Despite these beginnings, Cai has established himself as a significant figure in the tech industry.

Rise to Success

Cai Wensheng entered the internet field in 2000 and founded 265.com in 2003, which was later acquired by Google in 2007. This early success led him to become a prominent angel investor, with investments in companies like 58.com and Baofeng Yingyin. He then founded 4399 Games and Meitu Xiuxiu, which later became Meitu. Meitu was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in December 2016, marking a significant technology IPO at the time.

Key Business Strategies

Cai's strategy has involved identifying and investing in promising startups. His early investments in 58.com and Baofeng Yingyin were highly successful. Cai is also known for his vision in recognizing the potential of the photo editing and selfie market, leading to the creation and growth of Meitu. He has been actively involved in the Web3 field, particularly in Hong Kong, and has made strategic property investments.

Philanthropy

Information on Cai Wensheng's specific philanthropic activities is not readily available through the search results. However, as an influential figure in the technology and investment sectors, it is likely he supports various charitable causes, though the details are not explicitly provided in the search results.

Career Milestones

2003

Founded 265.com

Launched website navigation station, 265.com, which later received financing from IDG Capital.

2007

Sold 265.com to Google

Completed a significant wealth accumulation through the sale of his website.

2008

Founded Meitu

Co-founded Meitu, a company specializing in photo editing and selfie-focused smartphones.

2016

Meitu IPO

Meitu was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant technology IPO at the time.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Data Collection Concerns

Meitu apps were reported to collect user data for advertising, raising privacy concerns.

2025

Share Reduction

Cai Wensheng sold 3.5 million shares of Meitu, causing questions in the capital market about his “cash-out exit.”