Ma Huateng co-founded Tencent in 1998 after working on Internet paging systems, then led the company through the expansion of QQ, WeChat, games and a broad technology portfolio. [1][2][3]
From telecommunications software to Tencent
Tencent says Ma Huateng worked in research and development for Internet paging systems at China Motion Telecom Development before co-founding Tencent in 1998. His technical background carried directly into the company's first generation of Internet communications products. [1]
Tencent's corporate history dates the company's founding in Shenzhen to 1998 and the launch of its QQ instant-messaging service to the following year. Ma remained at the center of the business as chairman and chief executive, with responsibility for strategy, positioning and overall management. [2][1]
A founder stake tied to a broader technology platform
Over time Tencent expanded from messaging into online games, social platforms, payments, cloud services and investments. Forbes traces Ma's wealth to Tencent, while the company's own biography documents continuous founder leadership rather than an inherited operating role. [3][1]
The important wealth mechanism is retained founder ownership in that increasingly diversified platform. Tencent's breadth explains why the business became more valuable, but company revenue, portfolio assets and total market value should remain distinct from Ma's personal fortune, which depends on the economic value of his own stake. [3][2][1]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 15, 2026.
- MA Huateng (Pony Ma) · Tencent
- Our story · Tencent
- Ma Huateng · Forbes · Mar 10, 2026
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