- Chinese startup targets semiconductor and EV manufacturing quality control
- Investors back push to replace imported high-end inspection equipment
Hangzhou-based Image Source (谱睿源) has raised tens of millions of yuan in a Series A funding round as the Chinese industrial inspection startup focuses on scaling production of high-end 3D X-ray testing equipment used in semiconductors and electronics manufacturing.
The round was led by Yunqi Partners, with participation from existing investor Future Light Cone, a Hefei-based venture fund, the company said on May 27.
Backing by state-run funds
The latest financing follows earlier backing from Hangzhou state-linked funds. In February, 2 billion-yuan Runmiao Fund, under Hangzhou STI Group, invested up to 5 million yuan ($737,480) in a Pre-Series A round. The company also secured another 5 million yuan in angel investment from Hangzhou Xihu Sci-Tech Venture Capital in June 2025.
Chief executive Wu Mingwei said the new funding will support expansion of manufacturing capacity, including construction planning for a new production base, additional industrial hardware and team hiring across research, engineering, sales and technical services.
The company also plans to expand into semiconductor packaging and testing, power devices, high-density printed circuit boards and precision electronics.
3D X-ray inspection
Image Source develops high-speed online 3D X-ray inspection systems, a category often described as “industrial CT” because the technology scans products from multiple angles and reconstructs three-dimensional internal images without damaging the sample.
The systems can detect micron-level defects and foreign materials inside complex industrial components.
The company operates its core R&D and manufacturing base through a wholly owned subsidiary in Hefei, capital of Anhui Province. Its products are used in semiconductor packaging, EV power control modules and other advanced manufacturing processes requiring non-destructive precision inspection.
Domestic alternative
Image Source is targeting a market long dominated by overseas suppliers. International competitors in the semiconductor inspection equipment sector include Germany’s Yxlon, America’s Nordson and Japan’s Hitachi.
The startup said it aims to reduce dependence on imported equipment while lowering inspection costs and improving efficiency for Chinese semiconductor and electronics manufacturers.
