Li Shufu: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Li Shufu’s Profile Summary

Company	Geely
Position	Founder and Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. He has held this position since founding the company in 1986
Source of wealth	Li Shufu’s wealth primarily stems from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which includes automotive businesses (Geely, Volvo, Polestar), as well as investments in electric vehicles, financial services
Also known as	Philanthropist, Political Adviser, Educational Advocate.
Age	62
Education	Yanshan University – Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Citizenship	Chinese
Residence	Hangzhou, China
Family	Li Shufu is married to Wang Li and has two children
Website, Social Media	https://global.geely.com/

Li Shufu’s biography

Li Shufu, born in 1963 in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, is the visionary entrepreneur behind Geely, one of the largest private automakers in China. In 1986, Li founded Geely Holding Group, initially starting with businesses in refrigerators and decorative materials before shifting to motorcycles. By 1997, Li made a significant move into the automotive industry. His strategic leadership led Geely to acquire global brands such as Volvo Cars in 2010 and a stake in Daimler AG, expanding Geely’s global footprint. Li's influence is pivotal in China's automotive sector, particularly in driving technological innovations and the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles. He has also played an active role in promoting China’s carbon neutrality goals and advocating for digital transformation in the automobile industry. Beyond business, Li is known for his charitable efforts through the Li Shufu Charity Foundation and has founded educational institutions such as Geely University. He continues to influence both business and policy as a member of China's National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

How did Li Shufu make money?
What is Li Shufu net worth?

As of 2025, Li Shufu’s net worth is estimated to be $15.8B.

What is Li Shufu also known as?

Li Shufu is well known for his philanthropic efforts through the Li Shufu Charity Foundation, which focuses on poverty alleviation and social welfare projects across China. He is also a political adviser, serving as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, where he advocates for industry-related policies, particularly in the fields of carbon neutrality and technological innovation. Furthermore, Li is a strong advocate for education, having founded private universities like Geely University and the University of Sanya, aimed at providing accessible education to thousands of students in China

Prominent achievements of Li Shufu

Li Shufu has been recognized with numerous awards, such as “Master of Operation and Management” and “Elitist of China’s Automobile Industry.” Under his leadership, Geely became a global player in the automotive industry, notably acquiring Volvo in 2010 and a stake in Daimler AG. His achievements also include transforming Geely into one of the most prominent private automakers in China and spearheading the company’s transition toward electric mobility

What are Li Shufu’s key insights?

Li Shufu's business philosophy centers around innovation, efficiency, and resilience. He advocates for technological advancements, particularly in the automotive sector, and emphasizes sustainable growth and green technologies. His management style is democratic, seeking collective wisdom before making decisions, and he believes in adapting quickly to market shifts while pushing for a future centered around electric and autonomous vehicles

Li Shufu’s personal life

Li Shufu's wife, Wang Li, plays an active role in his personal life, and the couple is known to keep their private life out of the public eye. Li Shufu has two children, and his son, Li Xingxing, is noted to have grown up within the entrepreneurial environment shaped by his father. The family maintains a relatively private lifestyle, focusing more on Li's professional achievements rather than public family engagements

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.