Real stories of how iconic entrepreneurs built their companies from nothing. No fluff, no fairy tales — just the decisions that mattered.
In the late 1990s, three companies—Sohu, Sina, and Netease—waged a brutal war to become the gateway to the internet for hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens. This is the story of that foundational battle.
In 1995, Dr. Zhang Chaoyang was a physicist in Boston. A single email about 'Yahoo!' changed his life and led him to bring the internet revolution back to a country that was not yet online. This is the story of that leap of faith.
Unlike his low-profile peers, Sohu founder Zhang Chaoyang embraced the spotlight, appearing in fashion magazines, climbing mountains, and partying with stars. This is the story of China's first celebrity CEO.
At the height of his fame, Sohu's Zhang Chaoyang disappeared. He was secretly battling severe depression and anxiety. This is the story of his two-year retreat from the world and his journey back from the brink.
After decades as a high-flying CEO, Sohu founder Zhang Chaoyang reinvented himself in the most unexpected way: he became a physics teacher, live-streaming lessons from his office. This is the story of his third act.
At the height of Legend of Mir 2's success, Chen Tianqiao made a shocking decision: he made the game free. This is the story of how he invented the 'freemium' model and changed the gaming industry forever.
In 2001, with his company's funds dwindling, Chen Tianqiao had a choice: make payroll or bet his last $300,000 on the rights to an unknown Korean game called Legend of Mir 2. The decision would make him a billionaire.
After building and then abandoning a billion-dollar gaming empire, Chen Tianqiao embarked on a new mission: to understand the human brain. This is the story of his transformation from internet emperor to a pioneer in neuroscience.
At the peak of his power, Chen Tianqiao, the billionaire founder of Shanda, was secretly battling a debilitating illness: severe panic attacks. This is the story of how the hidden cost of success forced him to abandon his empire.
Discover the entrepreneurs behind the most influential companies
陈天桥
Founder of Shanda Interactive, the company that revolutionized online gaming in China and once made him the country's richest man. Now a pioneering investor in brain science.
丁磊
Founder and CEO of NetEase, creator of 163.com, pioneer in China's online gaming industry
何小鹏
Co-founder of UCWeb and Chairman & CEO of XPeng Motors, a serial entrepreneur in China's internet and EV industries.
黄峥
Founder of Pinduoduo, a low-key billionaire who revolutionized e-commerce with a model of social buying and gamification.