Lei Jun

Early Life and Background

Lei Jun was born on December 16, 1969, in Xiantao, Hubei province, China. From an early age, Lei displayed a keen interest in technology and electronics, often tinkering with gadgets and demonstrating an aptitude for understanding complex systems. Growing up in a period of rapid economic and technological change in China, he was exposed to the nascent stages of the country's burgeoning tech industry, which significantly shaped his future aspirations. His formative years were marked by a diligent pursuit of knowledge and a strong work ethic, characteristics that would later define his entrepreneurial journey. He developed a foundational understanding of computer science and programming, which became the bedrock of his illustrious career in the technology sector.

Education

Lei Jun pursued his higher education at Wuhan University, one of China's most prestigious institutions. He enrolled in 1987 and dedicated himself to the study of computer science. During his time at university, Lei distinguished himself academically, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1991. It was during his university years that Lei Jun's entrepreneurial spirit began to manifest. He was particularly influenced by the book 'Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer' by Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine, which ignited his passion for the technology industry and inspired him to dream of building a world-class technology company. He reportedly developed his first software program during this period, demonstrating his practical skills alongside his theoretical knowledge.

Career

Lei Jun's professional career commenced shortly after his graduation. In 1992, he joined Kingsoft, a Chinese software company, as an engineer. His talent and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks. By 1998, at the age of 29, he was appointed CEO of Kingsoft, a position he held for nearly a decade. Under his leadership, Kingsoft underwent significant transformation, expanding its product portfolio beyond office software to include online gaming and internet security, successfully navigating the competitive landscape of the Chinese software market. He led the company through its initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007. Following the IPO, Lei Jun resigned from his CEO position, citing health reasons and a desire to explore new ventures, though he remained as Vice Chairman and later as Chairman.

After stepping down as CEO of Kingsoft, Lei Jun embarked on a highly successful career as an angel investor. He invested in over 20 startups, many of which became household names in China's internet industry, including UCWeb (mobile browser, later acquired by Alibaba), YY (social media platform), Vancl (e-commerce fashion), and Lakala (payment services). His keen eye for promising ventures and his mentorship proved invaluable to these young companies. During this period, he also founded Joyo.com in 2000, an online bookstore which was subsequently acquired by Amazon.com in 2004 for $75 million, becoming Amazon China.

The most significant chapter of his career began in April 2010, when Lei Jun co-founded Xiaomi Inc. with several partners, including Lin Bin, Zhou Guangping, Liu De, Li Wanqiang, and Wang Chuan. His vision for Xiaomi was to create high-quality, high-performance technology products, particularly smartphones, at affordable prices, leveraging an online-first sales model and a strong community engagement strategy. He adopted a philosophy of 'making friends with users' and building an 'iron triangle' business model encompassing hardware, software (MIUI), and internet services. Under his leadership, Xiaomi rapidly grew from a smartphone startup to a global technology giant, diversifying into a vast ecosystem of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, smart home products, and consumer electronics. In 2018, he led Xiaomi through its highly anticipated IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which was one of the largest technology IPOs in recent years. Lei Jun continues to serve as the Chairman and CEO of Xiaomi, driving its global expansion and innovation strategy.

Major Achievements

Lei Jun's career is marked by several groundbreaking achievements. He is credited with transforming Kingsoft into a dominant software player in China and successfully taking it public. As an angel investor, he cultivated a portfolio of highly successful startups, significantly contributing to the growth of China's internet economy. His most notable achievement, however, is the co-founding and leadership of Xiaomi Inc. Under his guidance, Xiaomi disrupted the global smartphone market with its innovative business model and aggressive pricing strategy, quickly becoming one of the top smartphone brands worldwide. He pioneered the 'internet company' approach to hardware manufacturing, focusing on rapid iteration, direct sales, and deep user engagement. Xiaomi's expansion into an extensive IoT ecosystem, now encompassing hundreds of products from smart TVs to air purifiers and robotic vacuum cleaners, demonstrates his foresight in building a connected lifestyle brand. Lei Jun has also been recognized for his contributions to philanthropy, particularly in education and technology development.

Personal Life

Lei Jun is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life despite his public profile as a major tech CEO. He is married to Zhang Tong. While details about his family life, including the number and names of his children, are generally kept out of the public spotlight, he has occasionally mentioned his family in interviews, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and personal life. He is often described as a workaholic with an intense focus on his businesses. Lei Jun is also known for his admiration of Steve Jobs and Apple, often drawing parallels between Xiaomi's early product launches and Apple's iconic events, although he has also emphasized Xiaomi's unique approach and innovations. He has a passion for technology and is a hands-on leader, deeply involved in product development and user experience.

Legacy

Lei Jun's legacy is multifaceted. He is revered as one of the most influential figures in China's modern technology landscape, often referred to as 'China's Steve Jobs' by some media outlets, a comparison he has sometimes embraced and sometimes downplayed. His 'iron triangle' business model at Xiaomi – combining hardware, software, and internet services – has set a new paradigm for consumer electronics companies globally. He demonstrated that it is possible to build a global brand offering premium quality at accessible prices by optimizing supply chains, leveraging online sales, and fostering a strong user community. His success as an angel investor also highlights his role as a mentor and catalyst for the next generation of Chinese entrepreneurs. Lei Jun's impact extends beyond business; he has inspired countless individuals to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on the global technology industry and contributing significantly to China's position as a technological powerhouse. His vision for a connected future, realized through Xiaomi's vast ecosystem, continues to shape how consumers interact with technology in their daily lives.