China lights up investments in electronic cigarettes

A series of smoking bans in public places means that Chinese investors have turned their attention to the business of electronic cigarettes.

Five electronic cigarette manufacturers have raised funds recently. Shenzhen-based Doo said, on Monday, that it had raised at least $1.5 million. Two others, Jemiu and HOPO, have also completed more than $1.5 million in early-stage funding. And Shenzhen-based YouMe secured $10.7 million for its Angel round.

But the highlight is the $40 million investment in e-cigarette brand Snowplus the largest in the industry for the past six months.

This is only the tip of the e-cigarette iceberg. E-cigarette company Vaporesso...