(Yicai Global) Aug. 27 -- Cheng Wei, founder of the world's largest online ride-hailing service platform Didi Chuxing, recently formed an equity investment company, public information shows.

The company named Didi Xiamen Equity Investment came into being on Aug. 13 with registered capital of USD1.47 million. Cheng owns 80 percent of the company, while Didi co-founder Zhang Bo holds 20 percent, according to official corporate registration information.

Didi's holding company Beijing Xiaoju Keji also set up an equity investment and fund management company in Xiamen on Aug. 13.

The purpose of these two companies remains unclear, though the trend of large Chinese internet companies forming equity investment firms has clearly emerged, as in the case of YF Capital, set up by Alibaba Group Holding founder Jack Ma. It has invested in many unicorns, including telecom titan Xiaomi. 

The murder and rape of a female passenger on Aug. 25 has also put Didi, China's largest ride-hailer, under the spotlight. Records from just one Beijing court show multiple cases of rape, sexual assault and theft by Didi drivers over the past three years, Yicai Global also reported today.

Editor: Ben Armour