Mobvoi develops AI technologies with a focus on voice recognition and natural language processing; it is best known for the Ticwatch smartwatch (which raised over $2M on Kickstarter) and the Chumenwenwen voice assistant. The company expanded into automotive last year with a smart rear-view mirror that integrates WeChat, navigation and messaging. Mobvoi has previously raised about $75M from investors, including an undisclosed Series C from Google in 2015. Founded by former Googler Zhifei Li, the startup is now partnering with Volkswagen to extend its AI into cars. Future plans include developing and optimizing the smart-mirror product for Volkswagen vehicles and broader application of its AI in automotive contexts. Financially, Mobvoi’s disclosed prior funding totals $75M and it retains product sales and device lines alongside automotive initiatives. Mobvoi is a Beijing-based company focused on mobile voice technology and natural language services, best known for its Chumenwenwen voice-search platform. The company developed Ticwear, a ROM that pairs with Android Wear to enable the OS in mainland China, and sells Ticwatch hardware (about 30,000 units sold at roughly $160–$190 each). Mobvoi's leadership includes ex-Googlers CEO Zhifei Li and CTO Mike Lei, and the company says it remains primarily focused on software development despite making hardware. Mobvoi updates Ticwear frequently (about every two weeks) and plans to use new financing to hire global talent and further refine its services. The company is also exploring robotics and an in-car software product similar to CarPlay/Android Auto. To date Mobvoi has raised about $75 million in total funding.

Total raised

$180M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Apr 2017