Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1435

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhou Hongyi

CEO, Qihoo 360

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.8B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Security software

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Zhou Hongyi is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Qihoo 360, a leading internet security company. Born on October 4, 1970, he holds a master's degree from Xi'an Jiaotong University. Zhou's net worth is estimated at $2.8 billion as of December 4, 2025. His wealth stems from his success in the security software industry. Zhou is known for his outspoken views and has been a significant influencer in the development of China's internet industry. He previously founded 3721, a search engine acquired by Yahoo!, before establishing Qihoo 360. Zhou's career has been marked by innovation, including pioneering the freemium model in cybersecurity and spearheading the company's expansion into AI and IoT.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhou Hongyi was born on October 4, 1970, in Huanggang, Hubei, China. Not much is known about his early life.

Rise to Success

Zhou's entrepreneurial journey began in 1998 when he founded 3721, a search engine that sold Chinese-language keywords. The company was acquired by Yahoo! in 2004 for $120 million, with Zhou leading Yahoo! China's operations. However, after differences with Yahoo's management, he left and started Qihoo 360 in 2005. Qihoo 360 quickly became a leading internet security company in China. In 2018, Zhou was ranked #45 on the Forbes China Rich List and #135 on the Forbes Billionaires list, with an estimated net worth of $4.7 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Zhou implemented the freemium business model for security software in China, offering core services for free and monetizing through value-added services. Under his leadership, Qihoo 360 has focused on innovation and expanding into areas like AI and IoT security. Zhou has also emphasized aligning with the national strategy of industrial digitalization.

Philanthropy

Zhou has participated in philanthropic activities, including the Ice Bucket Challenge. In April 2024, he auctioned his Maybach and donated all the proceeds, around 9.9 million yuan, to the Wang Xuan Foundation.

Career Milestones

1998

Founded 3721

Founded 3721, a search engine that sold Chinese-language keywords.

2004

3721 Acquired by Yahoo!

3721 was acquired by Yahoo! for $120 million; Zhou headed Yahoo! China's operation.

2005

Founded Qihoo 360

Established Qihoo 360, which became a major internet security company.

2016

Qihoo 360 Delisted from NYSE

Qihoo 360 delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

2018

Qihoo 360 Relisted in China

Qihoo 360 relisted in Shanghai.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Wang Xuan Foundation

$1.3M

Donated proceeds from Maybach auction after tax.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"My job in China is to kick Google's ass."

"I think development in China must align with national strategy."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Emphasizes subversion-style innovation and micro-innovation.

Strategic Alignment

Aligning with national strategies, especially in industrial digitalization.

Willing Supporting Role

Positioning the company as a supporting player in the cybersecurity field to enable traditional industries.