Lei Jun is a Chinese entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist best known as the founder and CEO of Xiaomi Corporation, one of the world’s leading technology companies. Often compared to Steve Jobs for his leadership style and innovative vision, Lei Jun has played a key role in shaping China’s modern tech industry. His journey from a small-town student to a global business leader reflects persistence, innovation, and strategic foresight.
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Early Life and Education
Lei Jun was born on 16 December 1969 in Xiantao, Hubei Province, China. He showed an early interest in science and technology, which led him to pursue computer science.
- In 1987, he enrolled at Wuhan University, where he studied computer science.
- During his studies, he read books about technology entrepreneurs, including Steve Jobs, which inspired his future path.
- By 1991, Lei Jun had graduated and was ready to enter the emerging tech industry in China.
Professional Beginnings
Lei Jun’s career started at Kingsoft, a Chinese software company.
- 1992: Joined Kingsoft as an engineer.
- Quickly rose through the ranks due to his talent and leadership skills.
- 1998: Became CEO of Kingsoft at just 29 years old.
- Under his leadership, Kingsoft expanded into antivirus software, gaming, and office applications.
In 2007, Lei Jun guided Kingsoft to a successful IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
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Founding of Xiaomi
After stepping back from Kingsoft, Lei Jun began investing in promising startups, including UCWeb and YY.com. However, his biggest project was yet to come.
- In 2010, Lei Jun founded Xiaomi with seven partners in Beijing.
- His vision was to create high-quality yet affordable smartphones and smart devices, combining cutting-edge technology with reasonable prices.
- Xiaomi’s first phone, the Mi 1, launched in 2011 and became an instant success in China.
Xiaomi’s Global Expansion
Under Lei Jun’s leadership, Xiaomi grew rapidly:
- By 2014, it became the largest smartphone maker in China.
- Expanded aggressively into India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- In 2018, Xiaomi went public in one of the world’s biggest technology IPOs.
- By the 2020s, Xiaomi ranked among the top three global smartphone brands, competing directly with Apple and Samsung.
Leadership Style
Lei Jun is known for his charismatic and inspirational leadership. He often gives product presentations in casual attire, reflecting his approachable image. He emphasizes:
- User feedback in product design.
- Cost efficiency without compromising quality.
- Building a global ecosystem of smart devices.
Achievements and Recognition
- Ranked on Forbes Billionaires List as one of China’s richest tech entrepreneurs.
- Known as the “Steve Jobs of China” due to his innovative approach.
- Awarded numerous titles for contributions to China’s digital economy.
Personal Life
Lei Jun is known for being humble and private. Despite his enormous wealth, he avoids extravagant displays. He also contributes to philanthropy and education, supporting young entrepreneurs and technological innovation in China.
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Conclusion
Lei Jun’s biography is not just a story of personal success but also a reflection of China’s transformation into a global technology leader. From his early career at Kingsoft to founding Xiaomi and turning it into a worldwide brand, Lei Jun has shown the power of vision, resilience, and innovation. His leadership continues to influence the future of mobile technology, IoT, and smart living.
