The “Steve Jobs of China” has struck gold again. Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun’s net worth has skyrocketed from under $11 billion to an astounding $46.6 billion in 2025, driven primarily by the phenomenal success of the company’s electric vehicle venture.
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The EV Transformation That Changed Everything
Lei Jun’s bold decision to personally lead Xiaomi’s $10 billion investment into smart electric vehicles has paid off spectacularly. The launch of the Xiaomi SU7 in March 2024 triggered a financial avalanche that has fundamentally transformed both the company’s trajectory and Lei’s personal wealth.
| Wealth Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Net Worth | Under $11 billion |
| Current Net Worth (2025) | $46.6 billion |
| Wealth Increase | 324% surge |
| EV Investment | $10 billion over 10 years |
| SU7 Pre-orders | 100,000+ in record time |
| Stock Performance | 250% increase in one year |
The SU7 Success Story
The Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan became an instant phenomenon upon its official unveiling. Pre-orders topped 100,000 units in record time, signaling a fundamental shift in both Xiaomi’s brand identity and Lei Jun’s personal financial trajectory. This wasn’t just another product launch – it was a statement that Xiaomi could compete with Tesla and traditional automakers on their own turf.
The market response was swift and decisive. Xiaomi’s stock surged 250% in a single year, reflecting investors’ confidence in Lei’s vision for the company’s electric mobility future.
From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Status
Lei Jun’s journey from the son of a teacher earning $7 a month to one of the world’s wealthiest individuals exemplifies the transformative power of strategic vision. Born in Xiantao, Hubei Province, Lei’s early fascination with electronics – dismantling and reassembling radios as a child – foreshadowed his future tech empire.
His entrepreneurial acumen was evident early. In 2000, he founded joyo.com and sold it to Amazon for $75 million. His investments through Shunwei Capital seeded some of China’s fastest-growing platforms, including YY and UCWeb.
The Strategic Mastermind Behind Xiaomi’s Evolution
Unlike more flamboyant tech magnates, Lei Jun maintains a measured, strategic approach. His decision to steer Xiaomi into smart mobility while competitors remained hesitant demonstrates his market foresight. As he personally oversaw the EV project, Lei transformed from “the phone guy” into a mobility visionary.
Industry analysts note that Lei’s wealth surge reflects broader investor confidence in China’s electric vehicle market and Xiaomi’s unique positioning as a technology ecosystem company rather than just a hardware manufacturer.
Philanthropy Amid Wealth Creation
Despite his massive wealth accumulation, Lei maintains substantial charitable commitments. By 2017, he had donated over $1 billion to charity, including a record-breaking $182 million donation to Wuhan University – the largest individual donation in Chinese university history.
The Road Ahead
As Xiaomi continues expanding its AI, smart devices, and autonomous mobility investments, Lei’s fortune is positioned for further growth. His combination of long-term vision with calculated risk-taking has created one of the most remarkable wealth creation stories in recent tech history.
Lei Jun’s success story represents more than just financial achievement – it’s a blueprint for how strategic leadership and market timing can create extraordinary value in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
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From dismantling radios to building electric cars – Lei Jun proves that visionary leadership can literally transform billions.
