265 Network
265 Network is a Chinese provider of internet navigation services that include website encyclopedias, comprehensive searching, and more.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | $2.0m | Early VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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265.com Network Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2003 by Cai Wensheng, a notable figure in China's internet and investment sectors. Cai began his journey in the internet space in 2000, initially focusing on domain name investment, where he became a recognized expert. This experience with web traffic and user behavior culminated in the creation of 265.com. Despite not having a high school diploma or a formal business plan, Cai secured funding from IDG Capital, challenging the conventional venture capital investment criteria at the time.
The company operated as a "daohang," or a web navigation/directory service, providing users in China with a simple, link-filled start page to navigate the internet. This model was similar to other successful navigation sites, serving as a portal to major search engines, forums, and online communities. The business monetized its significant user traffic by integrating search boxes from partners, like Google, and placing contextual and search advertisements on the page. The platform's primary service was to offer a structured and user-friendly directory of websites, email services, and online communities, which was particularly valuable for the growing internet user base in China.
A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Google in 2007. This event marked a successful exit for Cai Wensheng and represented a strategic move for Google to increase its footprint and user engagement in the Chinese market. Following the acquisition, Cai Wensheng transitioned into a highly successful angel investor, backing numerous well-known Chinese tech companies. The sale of 265.com solidified his reputation and provided the capital for his subsequent investment ventures.
Keywords: Cai Wensheng, web directory, internet navigation, daohang, website portal, Chinese internet, Google acquisition, angel investor, domain name investment, IDG Capital, 4399 Games, Meitu, 58.com, web traffic monetization, online advertising, link directory, start page, internet portal, search engine partnership, user navigation