Eric Xun Li, also known as Li Shimo, is a prominent Chinese venture capitalist and political scientist. He has gained recognition for his founding of the Chinese nationalist news site Guancha.cn and his involvement in various academic and business institutions. This article will delve into his early life, education, business ventures, and his views on Chinese politics and governance.
Personal Stats
- Age: 60
- Source of Wealth: Automobiles, Self Made
- Residence: Hangzhou, China
- Citizenship: China
- Marital Status: Married
- Children 2
- Education: Master of Science, Yanshan University
Early Life And Education
Eric Li was born and raised in Shanghai, China. In the late 1980s, he pursued higher education in the United States. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Additionally, he holds a PhD in political science from Fudan University.
Business Ventures
After completing his education, Eric Li returned to China in 2000 and founded Chengwei Capital, a venture capital fund headquartered in Shanghai. Chengwei Capital has made significant investments in various sectors, including communication software, enterprise software, financial services, IC design, niche component manufacturing, healthcare, and media. The firm’s investment portfolio boasts over 100 companies, including notable names like Sunny Optical Technology, AAC Technologies, and Youku. Chengwei Capital has also invested in several unicorns, such as Hellobike, WM Motor, and Sila Nano. Eric Li currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the RISC-V International Association.
Views On Chinese Politics And Governance
Eric Li is known for his thought-provoking views on Chinese politics and governance, which have sparked both praise and criticism. In his writings and speeches, he has been critical of liberal democracy and has advocated for what he calls the “Chinese meritocratic system” and the country’s political leadership.
Li argues that China’s one-party state has been instrumental in promoting economic development and poverty alleviation without the need for multi-party elections. He believes that China’s system, which he describes as meritocratic, has allowed for effective governance and decision-making. Li has praised the Chinese political leadership for their ability to steer the country towards progress and prosperity.
However, some critics have viewed Li’s views as pro-China propaganda disseminated through Western-style arguments and rhetoric. They argue that his portrayal of China’s political system overlooks issues related to human rights, censorship, and lack of political freedoms.
Affiliations And Involvements
Apart from his business ventures and political views, Eric Li holds positions in various academic and cultural institutions. He serves on the board of directors of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and the Freeman Spogli Institute (FSI). Additionally, he is a trustee of Fudan University’s China Institute, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive of the University of California, Berkeley, and the San Francisco Symphony. Li is also involved in philanthropic activities and serves as a member of the international board of the New York Philharmonic. He is a member of the Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which organizes the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
Eric Li’s Net Worth
Eric Li’s net worth is estimated to be $14 billion as of September 2023. This places him as the 14th richest individual in China and the 84th richest individual in the world, according to the Forbes list. It is reported that he has accumulated such a substantial amount of wealth primarily from his involvement in the automobile industry.
