Lei Jun
Co-founder & CEO, Xiaomi CorpBirth DetailsDecember 16, 1969 | Xiantao, China
NationalityChinese
LeagueEntrepreneur
EducationBachelor in Computer Science, Wuhan University
Net Worth$16.2 billion (As of August 18, 2020)
Net Assets:
Lei Jun's Journey so far ...
Before you go ...
- Xiaomi Corp
Lei Jun's Journey so far ...
- Lei Jun completed his Bachelor in Computer Science from Wuhan University and joined Kingsoft, a software maker, as an engineer in 1992 and went on to become its CEO in 1998
- He quit the company in 2007 after leading its IPO, which helped raise $100 million Parallelly, Lei also founded an online book store called Joyo.com, which he later sold to Amazon. It was renamed Amazon China
- In April 2010, Lei and his eight friends co-founded Xiaomi in Beijing's Zhongguancun technology hub, also known as China's Silicon Valley. They modelled the company as an internet firm with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core
- Lei and his friends were hardcore technology fans and their first smartphone debuted on August 16, 2011
- Under Lie's guidance, Xiaomi thrived in the mainland with its low-cost model of selling smartphones from its website. This model turned out to be a winner and the company went on to create a world record when it sold over 2 million smartphones in just 12 hours
- Xiaomi, whose name means "millet" in Chinese, launched smartphones in India in 2014 and followed the same online model which also became an instant hit with consumers
- Lei's business prowess helped Xiaomi surpass Samsung and become the number 1 smartphone manufacturer in China and number 3 in the world by 2014. In the same year, it became the most valuable tech startup with a valuation of $46 billion
- With the help of great specs and quality at disruptive price bands, Lei expanded Xiaomi in various segments like TV, laptops, fitness bands, earphones, air conditioners, air purifiers and shoes
- The electronics major is now one of the most globalised Chinese companies with a presence in 90 countries and 40% of its revenues coming from overseas markets
- Under the stewardship of Lei, Xiaomi launched its IPO in 2018, attracting top investors like Jack Ma, Goerge Soros, Ma Huateng and Li Ka Shing. The IPO raised over $4.7 billion for the company
- Called as 'Apple of the East' by Chinese media, Xiaomi became the youngest company to feature in the Fortune 500 list in 2019, within nine years of its founding
Before you go ...
- Many in the media have nicknamed Lei Jun the Steve Jobs of China
Last Updated: 01/03/2021
Lei Jun News
- Xiaomi to take on Tesla & BYD in Europe with EV foray in 2027Xiaomi has previously described ambitions to go global, though it's never specified a target market. Europe is a common destination for Chinese carmakers like BYD seeking to tap a more lucrative arena, while governments across the continent are wooing Chinese EV and battery firms in part to mitigate impact from US tariffs.
- Xiaomi founder touts new Chinese chip to rival Apple siliconXiaomi's founder, Lei Jun, unveiled plans to equip high-end devices with advanced, homegrown mobile processors, signaling a push to rival tech giants. The Xring O1 chip, aimed at competing with Apple and Qualcomm, will power three devices, including the Xiaomi Tablet 7 Ultra.
- China's Xiaomi founder expects new electric SUV to hit market in JulyXiaomi's founder and CEO, Lei Jun, announced the upcoming launch of their new electric SUV, the YU7, slated for July. Positioned as a rival to Tesla's Model Y, Xiaomi will unveil the YU7 along with its self-developed XringO1 mobile chip and a new flagship smartphone. Official prices and pre-orders for the YU7 will not be disclosed at the pre-launch event.
- Xiaomi founder Lei Jun’s viral video shows an inspiring transformation from hustler to icon — and the internet is obsessedLei Jun, the billionaire founder of Xiaomi, rose from humble beginnings to global tech stardom. Born in Hubei, China, he created Xiaomi in 2010, transforming it into a leading tech brand. The internet is captivated by a viral video showcasing his transformation from street marketer to a tech icon worth $44.6 billion. His story symbolizes relentless ambition and innovation.
- Xiaomi chief touts Nurburgring record ahead of EV launchXiaomi's electric vehicle prototype set a record lap time at Germany's Nurburgring track. The SU7 Ultra completed the lap in 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds, making it the fastest four-door car on the track. This achievement marks Xiaomi's bold entry into the electric vehicle market, challenging established players like Tesla and Porsche.
- While Apple backtracks, a Chinese phone maker has raced aheadGeely Auto and BYD Co., known for knock-offs, are now innovative. Xiaomi Corp., from cheap smartphones, aims to rival Tesla. Apple cancels EV project; Lei Jun leads Xiaomi's $10 billion EV venture.
- Xiaomi moves ahead with Tesla-like SUV as first EV hits goalsXiaomi plans to enter the EV market with SUVs by 2025, starting with the SU7 model. The company aims to reduce reliance on smartphones, taking on competitors like Tesla and BYD, with positive market reception and potential break-even in 2026.
- With China EV launch, Xiaomi's 'Thor' takes on Elon MuskXiaomi's Lei Jun challenges Tesla with the SU7 car, inspired by Musk's strategy. Dubbed "Thor," Lei's marketing approach draws attention similar to Musk. With Beijing support, Xiaomi competes in China's EV market with an affordable offering.
- Can smartphone giant Xiaomi take on EV titans Tesla and BYD?Xiaomi's $8 billion stock rally hinges on its first electric vehicle SU7 launch in China, challenging Tesla and BYD. Analysts predict positive momentum but foresee profitability challenges in China's competitive EV market.
- Xiaomi CEO teases price of company's first car, showrooms begin displaying vehicleXiaomi's CEO revealed plans for the company's first electric vehicle, aiming for it to be the best-looking, easiest to drive, and smartest car under $69,424. The car, named SU7, will be available for order this week, with two versions offering driving ranges of up to 668km and 800km.
- Xiaomi SU7 Launch: Xiaomi officially teases SU7 EV, confirms HyperOS operating systemXiaomi SU7 Launch: Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, shared the first official look of the SU7, hinting at the car's integration with smartphones and smart home accessories. Lei Jun emphasised the intelligent technology incorporated into the new EV, drawing inspiration from advanced car systems like the Tesla Model S. Although technical specifications and pricing details are yet to be disclosed, Xiaomi promises that the SU7 will surpass expectations.
- Xiaomi to reveal its electric vehicle tech on December 28Xiaomi plans to launch its first electric car by the first half of 2024. Earlier this year, the company had also conducted a test of its EV model, codenamed 'Modena', in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to assess its battery performance in extreme cold conditions.
- Xiaomi's $10 billion electric vehicle project said to hit regulatory barrierBillionaire co-founder Lei Jun, who has said EVs will be his final startup endeavor, hopes Xiaomi’s expertise in connected technologies and building loyal user communities can translate in the world’s biggest EV market. But the longer the delay in securing a license, the bigger the head start its rivals will gain.
- Xiaomi to open car plant in Beijing with annual output of 300,000 vehiclesThe plant will be constructed in two phases and Xiaomi will also built its auto unit's headquarters, sales and research offices in the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, the government-backed economic development agency Beijing E-Town said on its official WeChat account.
- Xiaomi CEO says firm to mass produce its own cars in H1 2024: SpokespersonIn March, Xiaomi said it would commit to investing $10 billion in a new electric car division over the next ten years. The company completed the business registration of its EV unit in late August.
- Xiaomi CEO says firm to mass produce its own cars in H1 2024: Company spokespersonIn March, Xiaomi said it would commit to investing $10 billion in a new electric car division over the next ten years. The company completed the business registration of its EV unit in late August.
- End of a ‘Gilded Age’: China is bringing business to heelUnder Xi, China is reshaping how business works and limiting executives’ power. Long in coming but rapid in execution, the policies are driven by a desire for state control and self-reliance as well as concerns about debt, inequality and influence by foreign countries, including the United States.
- Xiaomi prepares to ride the EV waveAccording to CNBC, the name of the subsidiary is Xiaomi EV, Inc. and it has been set up with previously-announced registered capital of 10 billion yuan ($1.55 billion). The company said that it now has 300 employees and the business is led by the group's founder and CEO Lei Jun.
- Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi to make EVs using Great Wall's plant: SourcesXiaomi, one of the world's biggest smartphone makers, is in talks to use one of Great Wall's plants in China to make EVs under its own brand, said two of the people, who declined to be identified as the information is not public.
- What got Xiaomi to Fortune Global 500? Its youth, says Manu Kumar JainBeing young is how we differentiate ourselves, says the Xiaomi India MD, on snagging the 468th position on the list.
- Xiaomi becomes youngest company on Fortune Global 500Xiaomi has also incubated and invested in over 200 ecosystem companies, many of which are specialized in developing smart hardware, and has thus built the world's largest consumer Internet of Things platform.
- Tim Sweeney, Jeff Bezos, Lei Jun: The world's biggest billionaire winners, losers of 2018Singaporean billionaires fared the best in dollar terms, gaining $2.5 billion.
- Xiaomi Q2 revenue soars 152% on strong growth in IndiaIts offline smartphone sales in India achieved a market share of over 20 percent.
- Xiaomi's ill-timed debut sows doubt about its internet ambitionsCo-founded by billionaire Lei Jun, Xiaomi has a market value of about $50 billion, a far cry from the $100 billion touted last year.
- Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shares Mi Max 3 retail box, hints at early launchThe phone is likely to hit the Indian market around July or August at Rs 18,000-19,000.
- Samsung slashes TV prices by up to 20% for keeping dragon at bayXiaomi, in particular, has redefined television pricing with its India launch in February, selling a 43-inch model at Rs 22,999 and 55-inch at Rs 44,999.
- Xiaomi poised to become a billionaire factory with its IPOXiaomi last week filed for a debut that will value the company at $50 billion to $100 billion.
- How Xiaomi India has gone from a 6-people room to a 180,000 sq ft office spaceThe space also became home to the first-ever Mi Fans meet.
- Meet Lei Jun, the Chinese billionaire who wants to give TV makers in India a hard timeXiaomi founder Lei Jun said that the company expects to disrupt India’s TV industry the way Reliance Jio disrupted the telecom space.
- MIX 2S vs iPhone X: How Xiaomi's new $500 flagship stacks up against Apple's premium deviceThe new device give tough competition to Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
- The billion-dollar babies! The funding scenario of Xiaomi, Paytm & FlipkartXiaomi secured a $1 billion loan recently. It's not the only company to have grabbed eyeballs by bagging over a billion dollars this year
- Forget Apple. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun now wants to be more like Costco"We are not Apple,” Lei, clad in a black polo shirt and blue jeans, said at Xiaomi’s Bengaluru office in India, its biggest overseas market.
- Xiaomi founder Lei Jun shares the perfect recipe to be a brand to reckon withLeading phone brand founder Lei Jun on how to make cash registers ring.
- ET GBS 2017: India beyond our expectations, says Lei Jun of XiaomiThe smartphones trend is unstoppable. The trend of feature phones selling in India is a temporary one, says Lei Jun.
- ET GBS 2017: Xiaomi aims to create 20,000 jobs in IndiaAccording to Lei, the Internet Plus policy elevates internet to become the most important engine of growth for China's economy.
- ET GBS 2017: Xiaomi founder Lei Jun's advice for Indian companies - embrace Internet to succeedWhichever company will bring the best product at most affordable price will win, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said at the Economic Times GBS 2017 conference in New Delhi today.
- GBS 2017: This is how global business is transforming due to internet effectOver the next ten years and beyond we are set to see even faster changes in the payments landscape, accelerated growth in electronic payments, Xiaomi's Lei Jun said.
- GBS 2017: Strategy, disruption and Chinese innovation on the menuHeadlining the global speaker pack will be Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, often called the Steve Jobs of China, who kickstarted a revolution by selling world-class devices at affordable prices.
- Online marketplace for used cars Truebil raises Rs 20 crore from Shunwei CapitalWith this infusion from Shunwei Capital, whose backers include Xiaomi founder Lei Jun, the total capital raised by the firm so far stands at $9 million.
- Chinese VC firm Shunwei Capital set to enter Indian market with $2 mn investment in gaming co Mech MochaMech Mocha's latest funding round is pegged at $3-4 million, though the final amount may change, said one source familiar with the matter.In December 2015, the startup had raised $1 million from ecommerce major Flipkart and seed-stage investor Blume Ventures.
- Xiaomi sets new sales record: 1 million phones sold in 18 daysXiaomi largely depends on online sales in what is its largest market outside China. Performance slumped in 2015 when no new devices came in.
- Xiaomi aiming for India No. 1 slot in 3-5 years: Lei JunJun said Xiaomi will be able to capture largest market share in three to five years, on the back of sustained efforts and the proven model from China.
- Xiaomi’s $45-billion valuation looks unfeasible as sales falter with cooling growthXiaomi’s falter shows the startup’s challenge in trying to maintain momentum after a meteoric ascent past Apple and Samsung Electronics in China.
- How InMobi CEO Naveen Tewari’s broken Mandarin helped forge broken tiesDuring the recent launch of InMobi’s latest product, Miip, in Beijing, the founder’s gallant speech in their native tongue won the Chinese over.
- Xiaomi plans to launch laptop to take on AppleXiaomi’s notebook may go on sale in the first quarter to compete with such premium computers as Apple’s MacBook Air and Lenovo’s ThinkPad.
- Expecting India sales to jump more than fivefold in 2015: Manu Jain, Head-India Operations, XiaomiJain says Xiaomi launched more products & categories in India than it had anticipated a year ago. It even did a global launch in India for the first time.
- Selling phones in US no less than a year away: Xiaomi's Hugo BarraBarra talks about his former colleagues at Google, when Xiaomi might start selling phones in the US and why the Chinese gadget maker isn’t following Apple.
- Ratan Tata invests in Chinese phone-maker Xiaomi, size of investment not disclosedThe undisclosed amount of equity in Xiaomi, the world's fifth largest smartphone maker, is Ratan Tata's sixth investment in the digital economy space.
- Most important market for Xiaomi in ’15 is India, says founder and CEO Lei JunThe competitors in India market are also there in China. We're fairly confident we will be able to get to No. 1 in India in three to five years.
- Xiaomi vows to expand India operations; brushes aside legal challengesXiaomi's founder, CEO Lei Jun said India has become most important market for his firm next to China and would be expanding the footprints in future with more investments.
- Xiaomi announces its new flagship Mi Note and Mi Note ProThe Mi Note is priced at $371 (Rs 23,000) approximately for 16GB variant and $451 (Rs 28,000) approximately for the 32GB variant.
- Xiaomi's buying spree gives Apple, Samsung more reasons to sweatSince Nov, the maker of Mi devices has participated in more than $600 mn of investments in 3 firms and announced it bought into dozens of startups.
- Xiaomi can reframe the entire industry, says head Manu Jain"India is becoming our largest overseas market," said Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun at last month. All that the brand's India head, Manu Jain, needs to pull off the challenge is a few good men.
- Appla to Xiaomi: Talk is cheapJun’s company became the third-largest smartphone maker in October, behind Apple and Samsung, with Samsung in the number one spot.
- Xiaomi to raise $1.5 bn in latest funding boost: ReportThe company which has dominated China's smartphone market is talking to investors and banks to roughly raise about $1.5 billion.
- Xiaomi seeks funds, looks at $50-billion valuationThe world's third-biggest smartphone maker had a financing round in August 2013 that valued the company at $10 billion.
- Xiaomi continues to reign supreme in Chinese marketXiaomi secured 30.3 per cent of the market share, followed by Samsung with an 18.4 per cent share in three months ending September, according to a report.
- Xiaomi hits back over Apple's 'theft' accusationXiaomi surpassed Samsung and Apple to become the biggest smartphone maker in China in the second quarter of this year, according to a report.
- Tracking Xiaomi's meteoric riseIts founder Lei Jun, mocked for aping the late Steve Jobs at product launches, is shipping phones at near manufacturing price, jettisoning high-end gadgetry into the low-price zone.
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