Native AI startups in China
There are 1,902 Native AI startups in China which include Meitu, Megvii, Momenta, Mobvoi, WeRide. Out of these, 758 startups are funded, with 397 having secured Series A+ funding, and 32 achieving unicorn status.
Over the past 10 years, an average of 87 new companies have been launched annually. Notably, several of these startups have been founded by alumni of Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Carnegie Mellon University.
Here is the list of top Native AI startups in China
1. Meitu
Meitu started off as a developer of free photo and video editing apps for users called Meitu XiuXiu. The company has now expanded into facial recognition and smartphones. It partnered with Foxconn Technology Group to expand in Southeast Asia and India and has targeted 5 million smartphone shipments for 2016. The company's main app is targeted at young women and includes beautifying features such as altering the skin tone, making face thinner, making eyes bigger, etc. From its photo and selfie editing app, the company has forayed into a social network around its users and also launched a smartphone brand. Launched its first phone MeituKiss in 2013, its phones feature a high-end front camera for taking better selfies. Other apps by the company include Meipai (short video app), Meimeixiaodian (mobile game around outfits and make-up), among others. Claims to have 100 million+ registered users and a valuation of $2B+ as of 2015. Backed by Sina Weibo and Qiming Ventures.
Key facts about Meitu
- Founded Year: 2008
- Location: Xiamen (China)
- Stage: Public
- Total Funding till date: $525M
- Investors: IDG Capital, Qiming Venture Partners and 19 Others
- Latest Funding Round: Post IPO, May 21, 2025, $*****
- Tracxn Score: 85/100 What is this?
- Competitors Rank: 1 of 406 Competitors
2. Megvii
Provider of AIoT solutions, software, hardware, and platforms for various industries. It offers AI-powered hardware, including AIoT application devices, servers, analysis boxes, and access control systems. Software includes AI middle platforms and IoT cloud platforms. The company provides solutions for consumer, city, and enterprise IoT applications, focusing on intelligent upgrades.
Key facts about Megvii
- Founded Year: 2011
- Location: Beijing (China)
- Stage: Series D
- Total Funding till date: $1.98B
- Investors: Qiming Venture Partners, Sinovation Ventures and 23 Others
- Latest Funding Round: Series D, Apr 08, 2025, $*****
- Tracxn Score: 73/100 What is this?
3. Momenta
Momenta is focused on developing a deep learning-based autonomous driving software. It's AI software integrates environment perception, HD semantic mapping, and data-driven path planning to facilitate complete autonomy in vehicles.
Key facts about Momenta
- Founded Year: 2016
- Location: Beijing (China)
- Stage: Series C
- Total Funding till date: $1.42B
- Investors: SAIC Motor, Toyota and 32 Others
- Latest Funding Round: Series C, Nov 04, 2021, $*****
- Tracxn Score: 70/100 What is this?
- Competitors Rank: 4 of 190 Competitors
4. Mobvoi
Developer of AI-powered voice interaction and generative AI technologies. It offers AI CoPilot experiences through software and hardware solutions for content creators, enterprises, and consumers. These solutions include AI voiceover assistants and automotive voice interaction systems. The company also develops universal large language models. Its offerings are designed to provide personalized AI assistance for various tasks.
Key facts about Mobvoi
- Founded Year: 2012
- Location: Kowloon (China)
- Stage: Public
- Total Funding till date: $255M
- Investors: Volkswagen China, Sequoia Capital and 1 Other
- Latest Funding Round: Series D, Apr 07, 2017, $*****
- Tracxn Score: 67/100 What is this?
- Competitors Rank: 3 of 36 Competitors
5. WeRide
AI-powered self-driving technology for autonomous cars. The platform offers hardware and software-enabled solutions for autonomous cars. It offers mobility solutions like real-time localization, mapping solutions, sensor-fused perception solutions, AI-algorithm-enabled planning solutions, simulation test data for autonomous cars, and more. It offers robo-taxi mobility solutions by integrating OEM and mobility service platforms.
Key facts about WeRide
- Founded Year: 2017
- Location: Guangzhou (China)
- Stage: Public
- Total Funding till date: $1.09B
- Investors: Yutong Bus, K3 Ventures and 40 Others
- Latest Funding Round: Post IPO, Aug 15, 2025, $*****
- Tracxn Score: 66/100 What is this?
- Competitors Rank: 9 of 190 Competitors
