Crypto Mogul Cai Wensheng Drops $84M on Hong Kong’s AI-Web3 Play—20% Premium Be Damned
Hong Kong’s bid to become a Web3 hub just got a turbocharge from mainland money. Meitu founder Cai Wensheng is plowing $84 million into the city’s AI-Web3 fusion project—paying a 20% premium that’d make even meme coin traders blush.
The move reeks of geopolitical positioning as much as tech optimism. While Hong Kong regulators roll out the red carpet for crypto, Beijing keeps tightening capital controls. Cai’s bet? That the city can bridge both worlds—and that AI narratives still move markets in 2025.
Funny how ’strategic investments’ always seem to peak just before election cycles. Web3 may be decentralized, but old-school financial theater dies hard.
Cai Wensheng Converts Purchased Tower into AI-Web3 Hub
The building, completed in 2020, is slated for redevelopment into an AI and Web3 startup hub. Cai reportedly plans to convert the first two floors into an AI-themed café modeled after Beijing’s Garage Café.
Several other floors will become co-working spaces available to local entrepreneurs at no charge, while remaining levels are set aside for AI and Web3 studios.
Currently, the building has an occupancy rate of around 40%, primarily hosting restaurants. The acquisition price represents a premium of more than 20% over comparable transactions in the neighborhood.
Cai Wensheng is a Chinese tech entrepreneur and investor who founded Meitu in 2008.
The company gained traction through its photo enhancement apps, later expanding into smartphones and blockchain ventures. The company currently has a market capitalization of HKD $25 billion (USD $3 billion).
Cai is also known for early investments in Chinese internet startups and has become an active voice in Web3 and AI sectors.
Ranking Demonstrates Hong Kong’s Advantage
Hong Kong was ranked the world’s second-most crypto-friendly city in a new index published by migration platform Multipolitan. The index evaluates cities on regulatory clarity, taxation, infrastructure, and adoption rates.
Hong Kong has secured its position as the world’s second-most crypto-friendly city, according to the latest Crypto Report 2025.#HongKong #Cryptohttps://t.co/fvPdL6KDX4
Hong Kong placed just behind Ljubljana, Slovenia, which claimed the top spot. The report credited Hong Kong’s ranking to a growing concentration of crypto wealth and its expanding base of licensed virtual asset platforms.
The investment reflects a broader trend among Chinese tech entrepreneurs repositioning themselves around emerging technologies after years of regulatory tightening in traditional internet sectors.
As venture capital interest shifts from consumer apps to foundational infrastructure, physical real estate—especially in strategic urban zones—is becoming part of the toolkit for long-term ecosystem building.
At the same time, Hong Kong’s role as a regional entry point for Web3 experimentation appears to be deepening.
While regulatory regimes across Asia remain in flux, Hong Kong’s policy clarity and proximity to mainland talent and capital make it a preferred staging ground for cross-border tech projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What impact does Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly ranking have on local tech investments?Hong Kong’s favorable ranking enhances its appeal to investors and entrepreneurs in the digital asset space, potentially leading to increased investments and the establishment of more tech hubs like the one planned by Cai.
Are there any incentives for entrepreneurs to establish startups in Hong Kong?Hong Kong offers various incentives, including tax benefits, funding programs, and a supportive regulatory environment, which collectively encourage entrepreneurs to set up and grow their startups in the region.
How does the development of AI and Web3 hubs influence the local economy?The establishment of such hubs can stimulate job creation, attract foreign investment, and position Hong Kong as a leader in cutting-edge technological advancements, thereby boosting the local economy.
