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Billionaire Profile
Zhou Yahui
Global Rank
#2265

Zhou Yahui

CEO, Online games
Beijing, China
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.85B
Estimated based on Online games stock value as of September 10, 2026
-0.79% (24h)
Age
49
Source
online games
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
China

Biography

Zhou Yahui (born February 1977) is a Chinese billionaire and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to the online gaming and technology sectors. He founded Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., a major web game developer, and later served as the chairman and CEO until 2020. Zhou's career includes founding Kunlun Capital and serving as executive chairman of Opera. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1999 with Vulcan Net, a website for animation sharing. He is known for his strategic investments and global vision in the digital space, including OPay, a fintech platform in Africa. As of March 2026, his estimated net worth is 2.3 billion.

AI-Assisted Draft
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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$1.85B
2025$2.40B
2024$2.30B
2020$2.20B

Portfolio Holdings

YOOZOO Interactive

YOOZOO Interactive

002174.SZ•Video Games
Market Cap
$8.80B
Shanghai, China
2000 employees
Founded 2009

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Zhou Yahui was born in Lijiang, China, in February 1977. He received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1999 and a master's degree in optical engineering in 2006, both from Tsinghua University in Beijing. His initial foray into the digital world began with the creation of Vulcan Net in 1999, an animation-sharing platform aimed at university students.

Rise to Success

In 2008, Zhou founded Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., which became one of China's largest web game developers. He served as its chairman and CEO until 2020. Under his leadership, Kunlun Tech expanded globally, achieving significant success in overseas markets. In 2015, Kunlun Tech went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

Key Business Strategies

Zhou Yahui is known for his strategic acquisitions and investments. He acquired a controlling stake in the gay dating app Grindr and orchestrated the acquisition of Opera Software. He also founded Kunlun Capital and has invested in numerous companies. In 2020, Zhou shifted his focus to OPay, a fintech platform in Africa, demonstrating his commitment to expanding into emerging markets and developing financial inclusion through mobile payment services.

Philanthropy

Information on Zhou Yahui's specific philanthropy amounts could not be located through search.

Career Milestones

1999

Launched Vulcan Net

Founded an animation-sharing platform while at Tsinghua University.

2008

Founded Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd.

Founded Kunlun Tech, a web game developer, and served as its chairman and CEO until 2020.

2015

Kunlun Tech IPO

Kunlun Tech went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

2016

Acquired Grindr & Opera

Acquired a 60% stake in Grindr and led the acquisition of Opera Software.

2020

Focus on OPay

Resigned from Kunlun Tech to focus on fintech ventures like Opay.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Not Available

Not Available

$XB

Not Available

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Not Available"

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Identifying and investing in underutilized digital platforms.

Global Expansion

Pioneering global expansion in emerging markets.

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Grindr Divestment

Ordered by U.S. CFIUS to divest from Grindr due to national security concerns.

Billionaires Connected to Zhou Yahui

Peers in Technology

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Richest in China

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Adjacent Global Ranks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zhou Yahui's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Zhou Yahui's estimated net worth is $1.853 billion, ranking #2265 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Zhou Yahui make their money?
Zhou Yahui's wealth primarily comes from online games, most notably through Online games.
Where is Zhou Yahui from?
Zhou Yahui is from China.
How old is Zhou Yahui?
Zhou Yahui is 49 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Zhou Yahui — Forbes profile — Forbes