Visualead

Visualead developed technology that allows companies to embed QR codes in pictures and create personalized QR codes.

Business Software
Acquired by Alibaba
Acquired Herzliya, Israel Founded 2012
Last updated 2026-07-26
Total raised
$8.3M
Last: Undisclosed Round 2015-01
Stage
Acquired
Founded
2012
Headcount
5
HQ
Herzliya, Israel
Sector
Business Software

About

Visualead was an Israeli startup founded in Herzliya in 2012 that developed technology to create personalized QR codes, differing from typical black-and-white codes by incorporating colorful designs. Their patented technology allowed companies to embed QR codes in images, logos, profile pictures, animations, or even videos. The company's aim was to improve the consumer online buying experience and increase interaction with brands. Visualead's technology was used for scan-based connectivity solutions for product packaging, anti-counterfeiting, mobile payments, mobile coupons, social networking, mobile ticketing, login, and authentication. Alibaba acquired Visualead in November 2017 for an estimated $30-50 million, making it Alibaba's first acquisition in Israel. Visualead was integrated into Alibaba's DAMO academy global software program and was expected to form the basis for Alibaba's Tel Aviv R&D center. Visualead's technology was also used to combat counterfeit goods in China through Alibaba's "Blue Stars" platform.

Funding history · 3 rounds · $8.3M total

2014-12
B Round $6.0M
★ Alibaba
2013-07
A Round $1.6M
★ Kaedan Capital★ Entrée Capital
2012-03
Seed $750K
★ Kaedan Capital

Headcount over time

From 32 (2017-11) to 7 (2022-05) · -25 (-78%) · 11 points · source: Finder history + radar grounding
320 2017-11 2022-05

Q&A

What is Visualead's primary business?
Visualead developed technology that allows companies to embed QR codes in pictures and create personalized QR codes, aiming to improve consumer online buying experiences and increase brand interaction.
When was Visualead founded and where was its headquarters located?
Visualead was founded in March 2012 and was headquartered in Herzliya, Israel.
What was Visualead's acquisition status?
Visualead was acquired by Alibaba in November 2017 for an estimated $30-50 million. This marked Alibaba's first acquisition in Israel.
Which investors participated in Visualead's Seed round in May 2013?
Kaedan Capital participated in Visualead's Seed round in May 2013, which raised $750,000.
Which investors participated in Visualead's A Round in May 2013?
Entrée Capital and Kaedan Capital participated in Visualead's A Round in May 2013, which raised $2,400,000.
Which investors participated in Visualead's B Round in January 2015?
Alibaba Group participated in Visualead's B Round in January 2015, which raised $5,000,000.
What was the total amount of funding raised by Visualead?
Visualead raised a total of $12,300,000 across all its funding rounds.
How many employees did Visualead have at the time of its acquisition by Alibaba?
According to startupim data, Visualead had 32 employees in November 2017, the month of its acquisition.
What was the strategic impact of Alibaba's acquisition of Visualead?
Visualead was integrated into Alibaba's DAMO academy global software program and was expected to form the basis for Alibaba's Tel Aviv R&D center. Its technology was also used to combat counterfeit goods in China through Alibaba's "Blue Stars" platform.

Team · 2

Founder · Co-founder & CEO
LinkedIn ↗
Founder · Co-founder & CTO
LinkedIn ↗

Sectors & technology

Primary sector
Business Software
Sub-sectors
Business SoftwareSales & Marketing SolutionsAdvertising Platformse-Commerce Tools
Technologies
Platforms & InterfacesMobileArtificial IntelligenceMachine Learning
Target customers
Enterprise & Professional ServicesEnterprisesMarketing & SalesAdvertisingSMBs & SMEs
Business model
B2CB2B

Highlights

1 Patents

Tags

software-applicationsadvertisingcomputer-visionmobile-applicationsmarketingqr-codebrandingengagementpersonalizationcampaign-optimizationuser-experiencepatent-pendingenterprisesretailersecommerceonline-retailersconnectivitysocial-networksiotauthenticationmobile-paymentsmachine-learningticketingpublishinguser-acquisitionenterprise-solutions
Full data — links, identifiers, deals & radar signals (jobs, patents, research, more)

External links

Websitevisualead.com/
LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2602981
Facebookfacebook.com/visualead
YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtawzxMzLwluqSZyTC4XuRQ

Identifiers & details

Former nameseyeconit
Founded2012-3
Employees (exact)5
OfficesShanghai
Status reasonAcquired (Inactive) by Alibaba on Nov 2017 - closed due to acquisition

Acquisitions & public offerings

Acquired by Alibaba 2017-11 $30.0M

Radar intelligence

GitHub

Top reposAugmentor, boilerplate-js-stack, imgaug, Mask_RCNN, image-inpainting

Israeli Companies Registrar (רשם החברות / ICA)

Registrar # (ח.פ.)514729391
Statusמחוסלת מרצון — CLOSED
Corp typeישראלית חברה פרטית
Incorporated2012-01-29
Purposeלעסוק בסוגי עיסוק שפורטו בתקנון
Liabilityמוגבלת
In violation (unfiled)no
Last annual report2016
Active charges / liens0
Registry events0
Registered addressגלגל הפלדה 20 הרצליה