Zhang Yiming

At only 41, Zhang Yiming has already founded the world’s most valuable startup, and recent headlines peg him as China's richest man. ByteDance has radically influenced culture around the world, thanks to its massive success with video-sharing platforms TikTok and Douyin, even as it navigates regulatory challenges in the U.S. and Indonesia. Zhang stepped down as ByteDance’s CEO and chairman in 2021, handing over the reins to Liang Rubo, who has both roles today. Yet Zhang reportedly is still involved in decision-making at the company, with Reuters suggesting the tech founder still holds the majority of voting shares.