LeaderPortfolio
Wensheng
C
Rank #3163
CHINATechnologyphoto sharing app

Cai Wensheng

Net Worth
$1.117B
-1.34% (24h)
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.

How to read Cai Wensheng's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Cai Wensheng, we anchor the narrative to photo sharing app and photo sharing app, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.117B alongside global rank #3163, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (CHINA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

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 Timeline

2016

Meitu Listed on HKEX

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

2008

Co-founded Meitu

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

2007

Angel Investor

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

2003

Founded 265.com

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

2000

Domain Name Investor

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

Philanthropic Impact

Social Causes$1 million (RMB)

Women's Empowerment

Supported the Peacemakers Network to empower women.

Disaster ReliefUnknown

Pandemic Relief

Donated to Xiamen Charity Federation to help fight the pandemic.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Meitu

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

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.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Cai Wensheng are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.