Li Lu: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Li Lu’s Profile Summary

Company	Himalaya Capital Management
Position	Founder and Chairman of Himalaya Capital Management.
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees from Himalaya Capital’s investment strategies, long-term equity investments, especially in companies like BYD, and other investment gains in the U.S. and China markets.
Also known as	Author, philanthropist, political activist.
Age	59
Education	Columbia University – Bachelor’s in Economics, JD (Juris Doctor), MBA (Master of Business Administration).
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Seattle, Washington, USA
Family	Information on Li Lu's family is not widely available in public sources.
Website, Social Media	https://www.himcap.com/

Li Lu’s biography

Li Lu is a Chinese-American investor and the founder of Himalaya Capital Management, which he established in 1997. He is best known for his role as a value investor, often mentioned alongside prominent figures like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Born in China in 1966, Li was a participant in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, which led him to flee the country. He later moved to the United States, where he pursued higher education, earning degrees from Columbia University in economics, business, and law. His career began in finance, and his investment approach is grounded in long-term, value-driven strategies. Himalaya Capital has been particularly focused on the Chinese and U.S. markets, with notable investments in companies like BYD, which attracted the interest of Berkshire Hathaway. Li Lu is also a philanthropist, contributing to educational initiatives and supporting Chinese-American relations. His personal story of political activism and transition to finance has earned him widespread respect both in investment circles and beyond.

How did Li Lu make money?

Li Lu makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees from Himalaya Capital’s investment strategies, long-term equity investments, especially in companies like BYD, and other investment gains in the U.S. and China markets.
What is Li Lu net worth?

As of 2025, Li Lu’s net worth is estimated to be $1.7B.

What is Li Lu also known as?

Li Lu is also known for his work as an author, having written Moving the Mountain: My Life in China, which reflects his experiences during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and his subsequent escape from China. As a philanthropist, he has contributed significantly to educational causes, particularly in the United States and China, supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education. Additionally, Li Lu's early life as a political activist during the Tiananmen protests has made him a prominent figure in discussions about human rights and democracy in China.

Prominent achievements of Li Lu

Li Lu's firm, Himalaya Capital, has consistently delivered strong returns, with a particular highlight being his early and successful investment in BYD, which also attracted the attention of Berkshire Hathaway. He is a published author, recognized for his book Moving the Mountain, and his role in the Tiananmen Square protests has made him a notable figure in Chinese and international circles. Li Lu's investment success and influence have led him to be regarded as one of the top value investors globally.

What are Li Lu’s key insights?

Li Lu's business philosophy revolves around value investing, inspired by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. He emphasizes patience, thorough research, and a long-term outlook on investments. He believes in understanding businesses deeply, especially in terms of their leadership and competitive advantages, and tends to focus on industries with significant growth potential. Li is known for his disciplined approach, avoiding speculation and investing only in businesses where he has a high degree of confidence in long-term profitability.

Li Lu’s personal life

There are no detailed or widely publicized reports about Li Lu's family members, as he tends to keep his personal life private.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.