Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi Corporation, is a key figure in China’s technology and innovation landscape. Known for transforming Xiaomi from a startup into a global tech powerhouse, Lei has become one of the most influential entrepreneurs in China. Born on December 16, 1969, in Xiantao, Hubei Province, Lei graduated from Wuhan University with a degree in computer science in 1991. His early exposure to technology shaped his ambition to build smart and accessible products for the masses.
Before Xiaomi, Lei Jun had already made a name for himself in China’s tech industry. He joined Kingsoft, a software company, in 1992 and became its CEO in 1998. Under his leadership, Kingsoft developed into a successful firm and went public in Hong Kong in 2007. Lei also founded Joyo.com, an online bookstore, which he sold to Amazon in 2004 for $75 million. These early successes gave him both the experience and capital needed to start a major venture of his own.
In April 2010, Lei Jun co-founded Xiaomi with a clear goal—to make innovative technology affordable. Along with seven other co-founders, he launched the company with a focus on smartphones. Xiaomi’s first major product was MIUI, a custom Android-based operating system, which gained popularity for its user-friendly design and frequent updates based on customer feedback. The company soon released its first smartphone in 2011, and from there, its growth accelerated rapidly.
Lei Jun’s strategy focused on high performance and low pricing, which resonated with China’s tech-savvy youth. Xiaomi expanded into other products like smart TVs, fitness bands, home devices, and more, building an entire ecosystem of interconnected gadgets. Its model of flash sales, online marketing, and community-driven feedback helped the company reduce costs and build strong customer loyalty.
In July 2018, Xiaomi went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising $4.7 billion. This marked one of the biggest tech IPOs in recent years and highlighted the company’s rapid rise in just eight years. Lei Jun, often compared to Steve Jobs for his presentation style and product passion, became an icon in China’s startup culture.
In 2021, Lei Jun took Xiaomi in a bold new direction by announcing its entry into the electric vehicle market. He revealed plans to invest $10 billion over the next decade to build Xiaomi’s EV division. The move was part of a wider trend among Chinese tech companies diversifying into smart mobility and artificial intelligence. In 2024, Xiaomi launched the SU7 electric sedan, and in 2025, the company introduced the YU7 electric SUV. Both models received strong consumer interest, with the YU7 recording nearly 289,000 pre-orders within the first hour of its launch.
Despite facing challenges, including a fatal accident involving a SU7 in assisted driving mode, Xiaomi’s EV division has maintained strong momentum. Lei Jun has remained confident in the company’s intelligent driving technology and has doubled down on improving safety features and smart capabilities. He continues to emphasize the integration of hardware, software, and AI across Xiaomi’s product lines, including automobiles.
Lei Jun’s net worth is estimated between $10 and $15 billion, depending on market fluctuations. He remains an active figure on Chinese social media, particularly Weibo, where he frequently shares updates, interacts with fans, and promotes Xiaomi products. Known for his belief in “internet thinking” and fan-driven innovation, Lei encourages direct communication between consumers and the brand.
His philosophy is centered on efficiency, value, and smart technology that empowers users. He once famously said, “Standing in the wind, even a pig can fly,” a quote that reflects his belief in timing and market opportunity. This phrase has become popular in China’s tech circles, symbolizing the importance of seizing the right moment for success.
Lei Jun continues to lead Xiaomi with a forward-looking vision. His ability to bridge software, hardware, and now smart mobility puts him at the center of China’s evolving tech ecosystem.
