Intel Capital invests $28 million into 5 smart Chinese startups

Intel Capital, the VC arm of chipmaker giant Intel, has just dished out a sizable chunk of its US$100 million China Smart Device Innovation Fund to invest in five Chinese startups. As the name of the fund suggests, they’re making smart gadgets or services either as wearables, mobile, or for the home. While they each might have their merits, they’re not the most exciting Chinese smart startups that we’ve seen. (For those, see our list of 12 of China’s hottest hardware startups.)

Up to the end of 2013, Intel Capital has ploughed US$2 billion into Asian startups since its inception in 1991.

The five startups, listed below, collectively got US$28 million in funding. “These innovative companies will help lead to a new wave of product development in China in smartphones, tablets, wearables and the Internet of things,” says Arvind Sodhani, executive vice president of Intel and president of Intel Capital in an announcement.

1. EyeSmart

This Beijing-based startup makes low-cost iris recognition technology designed for usage in smart home gadgets, wearables, cars, and many other applications.

2. Gotye

Shanghai-based Gotye makes communications technologies that can be integrated into games, smartphones, and tablets.

3. Fibocom

Fibocomm makes communications and location-based services.

4. Appscomm

This startup makes the two most unattractive smartwatches I’ve ever seen. There’s this thick thing:

And this one that has a totally un-adapted full version of Android on it for no logical reason:

5. LeWa

LeWa, thankfully, is a more stylish startup that makes a good-looking Android ROM, pictured below.