Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ma Huateng

CEO, Tencent Holdings

Real-Time Net Worth

$62.8B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Online games

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Ma Huateng, widely known as Pony Ma, is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Tencent, a leading technology conglomerate. Born in China, he earned a degree in computer science and quickly rose to prominence in the tech industry. His source of wealth stems from his visionary leadership and strategic investments in online games, social media, and various tech ventures. Ma's career is marked by significant achievements, including the creation of WeChat, one of the world's most popular messaging apps. His net worth is estimated at $62.8 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals globally. Ma's impact extends beyond business, as he has been recognized for his influence and contributions to society, and he actively supports philanthropic initiatives.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Tencent Holdings

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ma Huateng, known as Pony Ma, was born on October 29, 1971, in Chaoyang, Shantou, Guangdong, China. His father was a port manager, and the family moved to Shenzhen. He graduated from Shenzhen University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Applied Engineering.

Rise to Success

Ma co-founded Tencent with Zhang Zhidong, Xu Chenye, Charles Chen, and Zeng Liqing in November 1998. The company's initial focus was on instant messaging, launching OICQ (later QQ), which quickly became popular in China. Tencent's success grew significantly after the launch of QQ.com and its expansion into online games. Tencent became the largest Chinese instant messaging service in 2004, leading to an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that same year. Under Ma's leadership, Tencent developed WeChat, China's largest mobile instant messaging service.

Key Business Strategies

Ma's key business strategies involved innovation, strategic investments, and a focus on user value. Tencent invested in numerous companies, including Riot Games, Epic Games, and Tesla. Tencent's commitment to innovation, combined with its strategic investments, helped it to expand its offerings and become a leading player in the tech industry.

Philanthropy

In 2016, Ma transferred US$2.3 billion worth of personal Tencent shares to his charitable foundation, the Ma Huateng Global Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. He has also supported educational institutions with donations.

Career Milestones

1993

Education

Graduated from Shenzhen University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Applied Engineering.

1998

Founded Tencent

Co-founded Tencent with four classmates.

1999

Launched OICQ

Launched OICQ (later QQ), which later became a popular instant messaging platform.

2004

Tencent IPO

Tencent was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

2011

Launched WeChat

Launched WeChat, which became the world's largest instant messaging platform.

2016

Philanthropy

Transferred US$2.3 billion worth of Tencent shares to his charitable foundation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Social Welfare

Ma Huateng Global Foundation

$2.3B

Transferred Tencent shares to the foundation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants"

Leadership Principles

User value

Incorporating social responsibility into products and services; promoting technology innovation and cultural vitality; helping industries digitally upgrade; collaborating for the sustainable development of society.

Controversies & Challenges

2021

Online Games Criticism

State media criticized online games, leading to a decrease in Tencent's stock value.

2021

WeChat Photo Privacy

Pony Ma described a 2021 privacy controversy sparked by a photo issue with WeChat as a “misunderstanding”.

2022

Donations to Universities

Controversy surrounding donations to US universities.