For anyone fascinated by tech innovation, entrepreneurial stories, or the rise of global tech giant Xiaomi, understanding Lei Jun’s career and growth journey is essential — this article presents the complete Lei Jun Career Timeline and provides a detailed Lei Jun Biography, helping you gain comprehensive insight into the legendary path of this entrepreneur.

Early Life and Education (1969–1991)

Lei Jun was born in 1969 in Xiantao, Hubei, China. He showed an early passion for technology and went on to study computer science at Wuhan University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1991. This formative period laid the foundation for Lei Jun’s career timeline and his later achievements as the founder of Xiaomi.

December 16, 1969: Lei Jun was born in Xiantao, Hubei Province, China.

1987: Graduated from Mianyang High School (now Hubei Xiantao High School).

1991: Graduated from Wuhan University, Department of Computer Science, with a bachelor’s degree in science. Co-authored books including Deep into DOS Programming and Deep into Windows Programming. In 1998, he was appointed as an Honorary Professor at Wuhan University.

Lei Jun Career Timeline（1992-2025）

Kingsoft and Early Entrepreneurship (1992–2007)

In 1992, Lei Jun joined Kingsoft, where he quickly rose to become CEO. During this time, he also invested in major startups such as Joyo.com (later acquired by Amazon) and UCWeb. His milestones at Kingsoft demonstrated his strong leadership skills and entrepreneurial vision, marking an important phase in the Lei Jun milestones timeline.

Lei Jun Career Timeline（1992–2007）

1992: Joined Kingsoft.

August 1992: Became Manager of Kingsoft’s Beijing R&D department, later promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Zhuhai headquarters.

1994: Became General Manager of Beijing Kingsoft Software. In August 1998, appointed CEO of Kingsoft. During his tenure, he led product development, market expansion, and corporate management, achieving significant success.

1998: Appointed Honorary Professor at Wuhan University.

1999: Invested in Joyo.com and 8848.com, and became Chairman of Joyo.com.

1999, 2000, 2002: Named one of the “Top 10 IT Leaders in China.”

2000: After Kingsoft’s restructuring, became President of Beijing Kingsoft Software Co., Ltd.

2000: Appointed Consultant to the Beijing Municipal Government.

2001: Elected Vice President of the Beijing Software Industry Association.

2002: Named one of the “Top 10 Young Entrepreneurs in Beijing.”

2002: Led the National 863 Program project “Desktop Office Suite.”

2003: Appointed Honorary Professor at Zhengzhou Institute of Technology; recognized as an “Outstanding Entrepreneur of Zhongguancun Science Park.”

2003: Led the 863 Program project on “Game Engine Development.”

2003: Named one of Wuhan University’s “Distinguished Alumni.”

2004: Sold Joyo.com to Amazon for USD 75 million.

2004: Invested USD 500,000 to help Sun Taoran establish Lakala.

2005: Invested USD 1 million in YY founder Li Xueling.

2006: Invested in mobile community platform Loxun.

2006 (end): Invested RMB 2 million in UCWeb.

2007: Invested in e-commerce platform Vancl.

2007 (end): Kingsoft went public; Lei Jun stepped down for health reasons.

Transition to Angel Investor (2007–2009)

After stepping down from Kingsoft in 2007, Lei Jun became an active angel investor. He supported companies like YY, UCWeb, and Vancl, many of which grew into influential tech firms. This stage highlights Lei Jun’s achievements as an investor, expanding his influence beyond software into China’s wider internet ecosystem.

2008: Announced as Chairman of UCWeb.

Founding Xiaomi and Rapid Growth (2010–2014)

In 2010, Lei Jun co-founded Xiaomi, which quickly became one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone companies. By 2014, Xiaomi was valued at $45 billion, making it one of the most valuable startups globally. This era is a defining chapter in Lei Jun’s biography timeline, as he transitioned from software pioneer to global tech entrepreneur.

Lei Jun Career Timeline(2010–2014)

2010: Became Chairman of Duowan.com (later YY).

2010: Founded Xiaomi, focusing on Android smartphones and internet services.

2010: Returned to Kingsoft at founder Qiu Bojun’s invitation to oversee online games and antivirus projects.

2010: Stepped down as Chairman of UCWeb.

2011: Appointed Chairman of Kingsoft.

2011: Officially assumed the role of Chairman of Kingsoft.

2011: Xiaomi launched its first smartphone.

2012: Xiaomi released Mi 2 and Mi 1S.

2012: Xiaomi Box launched but temporarily suspended video services after 8 days.

2012: Won CCTV “China Economic Person of the Year (Newcomer Award).”

2013: Xiaomi shipped 18.7 million smartphones, up 160% YoY; Lei Jun ranked among Fortune China’s “50 Most Influential Business Leaders.”

2014: Xiaomi’s valuation reached USD 45 billion, making it the world’s most valuable startup; Lei Jun again ranked in Fortune China’s top 50 leaders.

Global Expansion and IPO (2015–2019)

From 2015 to 2019, Xiaomi expanded aggressively into international markets, particularly India, and in 2018 the company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Lei Jun’s achievements during this period include solidifying Xiaomi as a global smartphone leader and being recognized among China’s top business leaders.

Lei Jun Career Timeline(2015–2019)

2015: Xiaomi shipped over 70 million phones; Lei Jun became a deputy to the National People’s Congress.

2016: Xiaomi underwent strategic adjustment; Lei Jun proposed the principle of making “products that touch people’s hearts at honest prices.”

2017: Launched Mi MIX 2; Xiaomi marked 3 years in India with market leadership.

2018: Xiaomi went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (01810.HK).

2019: Xiaomi ranked No.1 in India’s smartphone shipments; Lei Jun recognized as one of the “100 Outstanding Private Entrepreneurs of the 70th Anniversary of PRC.”

New Ventures: AIoT and Electric Vehicles (2020–2025)

Since 2020, Lei Jun has led Xiaomi into new fields such as AIoT and smart electric vehicles. In 2021, Xiaomi announced its entry into the EV market, with the Xiaomi SU7 expected to shape the future of smart mobility. These latest Lei Jun milestones underline his vision of integrating smartphones, AIoT, and cars into one intelligent ecosystem.

Lei Jun Career Timeline(2020–2025)

2020: Advanced “Smartphone × AIoT” strategy; Lei Jun named in Fortune’s “Top 25 COVID-19 Leaders.”

2021: Xiaomi overtook Apple in global smartphone shipments; Lei Jun announced Xiaomi’s entry into the electric vehicle industry.

2022: Xiaomi 12 series launched; Lei Jun ranked again in Fortune China’s top 50 leaders.

2023: Xiaomi EV Technology Conference showcased key EV breakthroughs; AIoT ecosystem expanded further.

2024: Xiaomi launched its first EV, the SU7, gaining huge market attention.

2025 : Xiaomi continues to expand across smartphones, EVs, and AIoT, aiming to deliver a complete smart ecosystem for global users.

Sources & References

The content of this article, including Lei Jun’s career milestones, entrepreneurial stories, and related details, is primarily sourced from the book “Lei Jun: Standing on the Tuyere” (by Chen Run) and official Xiaomi media channels.

For more articles on Lei Jun’s career and influence, please visit our  Xiaomi founder Lei Jun Biography.