Cash Capital provided up to $42.4m for the iris recognition technology developer, following a Gree Electric investment in September.
Beijing Wanlihong Technology, a China-based artificial intelligence and identity recognition technology developer, has secured up to RMB300m ($42.4m) in funding from Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Cash Capital, according to DealStreetAsia.
Founded in 2001, Wanlihong provides a range of technology including iris recognition systems, governance software, cybersecurity, telecommunications and artificial intelligence products.
The Cash Capital investment will be used to expand business development and bolster Wanlihong’s research and development capabilities as it seeks to grow its presence in China’s iris recognition sector. Chinese Academy of Sciences has been conducting research in the area since the 1990s.
The company raised approximately $120m from appliance manufacturer Gree Electric and Jingque Capital in September 2019, according to DealStreetAsia. However, at the time deals database GlobalData put the figure at $134m and, apart from Gree Electric, identified real estate group Xinhu Zhongbao and financial services provider Xiangcai Securities as investors without listing Jingque.
A vehicle known as Wanli Jincheng Investment had reportedly supplied an undisclosed amount of funding for Wanlihong in 2012 and remains its largest shareholder, controlling a 29.4% stake.
– A version of this article first appeared on our sister site, Global Corporate Venturing.


