Early Life
He Xiaopeng was born on November 3, 1977, in Huangshi, Hubei, China. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in technology. He graduated from South China University of Technology with a bachelor's degree in computer science in 1999.
Rise to Success
He Xiaopeng's career began in the tech sector. In 2004, he co-founded UCWeb, a mobile internet software and services company, where he led product development and strategy, including the UC Browser. UCWeb gained popularity, and in 2014, Alibaba Group acquired the company for $4.3 billion, making He a billionaire. After the acquisition, He served in executive roles at Alibaba's mobile business group. In 2017, He left Alibaba to focus on XPeng Motors, an electric vehicle startup he had co-founded and invested in three years prior. Under his leadership as Chairman and CEO, XPeng has become a major player in China's smart EV market, known for its technology and autonomous driving features. XPeng went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2020 (XPEV) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) in 2021 (9868).
Key Business Strategies
He Xiaopeng emphasizes technology and innovation, particularly in autonomous driving and software development. XPeng focuses on in-house research and development to differentiate itself in the competitive EV market. The company also seeks to enhance the user experience. In July 2023, Volkswagen announced it would acquire a 4.99% stake in XPeng.
Philanthropy
He Xiaopeng is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as education.