China's new billionaires: How AI, EVs and chipmakers are creating the country's richest entrepreneurs
China’s billionaire landscape is changing. Instead of property developers and internet giants, a new generation of entrepreneurs is building fortunes …
1/10A new generation of billionaires is emerging: China’s latest billionaires are increasingly engineers, scientists and technology entrepreneurs rather than property developers or consumer internet founders. Many have built their wealth by developing advanced technologies and manufacturing businesses that serve both domestic and global markets. (Image: Canva)
2/10The wealth shift: China’s first billionaire boom was driven by real estate, online shopping and internet platforms. Today, industries such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, semiconductors, robotics, clean energy and biotechnology are creating the country’s newest fortunes as innovation takes centre stage. (Image: AI-generated)
3/10Artificial intelligence is producing new fortunes: Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest wealth creators in China. DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng gained worldwide attention after the company’s AI models challenged established global players at lower costs. Shanghai-based AI startup MiniMax, founded by Yan Junjie, is another example of the country’s fast-growing AI ecosystem.
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4/10Electric vehicles and batteries remain major wealth creators: China’s leadership in electric vehicles has helped create several new billionaires. CATL, founded by Robin Zeng, has become the world’s largest EV battery maker and supplies batteries to global automakers including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. The country’s battery ecosystem continues to expand alongside rising global EV demand.
5/10Robotics companies are gaining global recognition: Chinese robotics firms are becoming important players in industrial automation and humanoid robotics. Unitree Robotics, founded by Wang Xingxing, has developed quadruped and humanoid robots that have attracted global attention for offering advanced technology at competitive prices. (Image: Reuters)
6/10Chip companies are quietly building fortunes: Several of China’s newest billionaires come from semiconductor businesses that are largely unknown outside the technology industry. Companies including Empyrean Technology, Cambricon, NAURA Technology and Montage Technology specialise in chip design software, AI processors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and memory technologies that support China’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
7/10Medical technology is creating new wealth: Healthcare technology is also producing successful entrepreneurs. Medical device maker Mindray has grown into one of the world’s leading healthcare equipment companies, expanding China’s presence in the global medical technology industry. (Image: Canva)
8/10Manufacturing is driving global expansion: Many of China’s technology companies are expanding beyond their home market. CATL is building production facilities overseas, while companies in drones, robotics, batteries and medical devices continue to increase their global footprint by serving customers across Europe, North America and other international markets. (Image: Canva)
9/10Innovation is replacing traditional wealth sectors: The latest billionaire wave reflects China’s growing focus on research, advanced manufacturing and high-value technology. Investment in artificial intelligence, clean energy, semiconductor production and industrial automation has helped shift wealth creation away from traditional sectors such as property and consumer internet businesses. (Image: Canva)
10/10China’s next growth story: China’s newest billionaires reflect the country’s shift towards high-tech industries. As investment continues in AI, semiconductors, robotics, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, these sectors are expected to shape the country’s next phase of economic growth. (Image: Canva)