How Did Zhang Yiming Make His Money?

Zhang Yiming’s Profile Summary

Company	ByteDance
Position	Zhang Yiming was the founder and CEO of ByteDance until May 2021, when he announced his decision to step down.
Source of wealth	Zhang Yiming's wealth primarily derives from his ownership stake in ByteDance, including earnings from its successful apps like TikTok and Toutiao.
Also known as	Zhang Yiming is also known as a philanthropist and venture capitalist.
Age	42
Education	Nankai University - Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering (2001 - 2005)
Citizenship	Chinese
Residence	Singapore
Family	Zhang Yiming's family consists of his wife, Wendy Xu, who has played a significant role in the success of ByteDance. They do not have any children.
Website, Social Media	https://www.bytedance.com/

Zhang Yiming’s biography

Zhang Yiming, born in April 1983 in Fujian, China, is a prominent entrepreneur known for founding ByteDance, the parent company of the globally popular app TikTok. He graduated from Nankai University in 2005 with a degree in microelectronics, later transitioning to software engineering. Zhang began his career at Kuxun, a travel website, where he rose to Technical Director. After a stint at Microsoft, he founded his first startup, Fanfou, which ultimately did not succeed. In 2012, he launched ByteDance, initially gaining traction with Toutiao, a news aggregator that utilizes sophisticated algorithms to deliver personalized content. ByteDance grew rapidly, eventually launching TikTok in 2016, which has become a cultural phenomenon worldwide. Under Zhang's leadership, ByteDance reached a valuation of $75 billion by 2018, making it one of the most valuable startups globally. Zhang has received various accolades for his entrepreneurial spirit, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 201. Zhang Yiming's influence extends beyond his role in tech, as he has become a significant figure in both philanthropic endeavors and investment activities, continuing to impact various sectors after his leadership at ByteDance.

How did Zhang Yiming make money?

Zhang Yiming, the Chinese billionaire and founder of ByteDance, has become one of the leading tech entrepreneurs by developing products that have changed the digital media landscape. His business journey began in 2012, when he founded ByteDance with a focus on developing AI algorithms for personalized content.

The company’s first major success was the launch of Toutiao, a news aggregator that offered users personalized articles and video content. The product quickly gained popularity in China, generating billions of views daily and becoming a major source of revenue for the company. However, the real breakthrough came with the launch of TikTok (known as Douyin in China) in 2016.

Running on powerful algorithms, TikTok allowed ByteDance to expand internationally, attracting hundreds of millions of users worldwide. Today, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms, with advertising revenues amounting to billions of dollars per year. ByteDance has also developed other successful products, including Lark (a collaboration platform) and CapCut (a video editor), which have strengthened its position in the market.

Zhang Yiming's main income comes from ByteDance's advertising revenue and high-impact digital products. The entrepreneur is estimated to be worth over $40 billion, and ByteDance continues to expand its influence in the tech sector, remaining a leader in innovative solutions.
What is Zhang Yiming net worth?

As of 2025, Zhang Yiming’s net worth is estimated to be $65.5 B.

What is Zhang Yiming also known as?

Zhang has made notable contributions to educational initiatives, including a significant donation of 200 million yuan to the Fangmei Education Development Fund, which supports vocational and arts education in his hometown. Following his departure from ByteDance, he has established a new private investment fund named Cool River Venture in Hong Kong, focusing on technology-related industries. This venture indicates his ongoing interest in the tech sector, particularly in areas such as virtual reality, life sciences, and scientific computing, reflecting his commitment to emerging technologies

Prominent achievements of Zhang Yiming

2018: Named Forbes China Businessman of the Year. 2019: Included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list. 2022: Recognized in Fortune Global 40 Under 40. 2023: ByteDance, under his leadership, became one of the most valuable startups globally, with a valuation exceeding $100 billion

What are Zhang Yiming’s key insights?

Zhang Yiming's business philosophy emphasizes innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a long-term strategic outlook. He believes in leveraging technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance user experiences. His approach focuses on empowering teams to foster creativity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape

Zhang Yiming’s personal life

Zhang Yiming is married to Wendy Xu, whom he met at Nankai University. She is a co-founder and currently serves as the head of human resources at ByteDance. Wendy is known for her contributions to the company’s culture and her involvement in philanthropic efforts. Together, they lead a private life, focusing on their careers rather than starting a family

Useful insights

Fundamental principles of investing

As someone deeply immersed in the world of finance, I firmly believe that learning the fundamental principles of investing is the cornerstone of financial literacy. The books I recommend here have shaped modern investment strategies, offering timeless wisdom that can benefit both beginners and seasoned investors. These are not just texts, but essential tools to help you navigate the complexities of the financial markets with confidence and insight.

Benjamin Graham – "The Intelligent Investor"
- Summary:
  
  Written by one of the most influential investment thinkers, this book outlines the principles of value investing. Graham emphasizes the importance of analyzing a company’s intrinsic value, long-term investment strategies, and avoiding emotional decisions driven by market fluctuations. The book also discusses defensive investing, focusing on preservation of capital and minimizing risk.
- Why read it:
  
  This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the core philosophy behind successful long-term investing. Graham’s principles influenced generations of investors, including Warren Buffett, making it an essential guide to navigating stock market risks with a focus on minimizing losses.
Ray Dalio – "Principles"
- Summary:
  
  Ray Dalio, founder of one of the world’s largest hedge funds, shares the life and work principles that led to his immense success. The book covers Dalio’s unique management and investment strategies, focusing on radical transparency, truth-seeking, and the importance of learning from mistakes. It also provides practical insights into organizational behavior and personal growth, making it valuable beyond just investing.
- Why read it:
  
  Dalio's "Principles" is a treasure trove of wisdom for investors and business leaders who wish to improve their decision-making. It’s a guide on how to align personal and professional life through well-defined, actionable rules.