The Rise of China’s Enigmatic Global Tycoons

A new generation of Chinese billionaires is rewriting the country's entrepreneurial playbook. Unlike the property developers and industrial magnates who defined an earlier era, today's rising business leaders are building fortunes in artificial intelligence, gaming, and consumer technology—often while staying almost entirely out of the public eye. In this episode, we explore the emergence of China's new tech elite, tracing how younger founders are embracing global ambitions, more flexible management styles, and industries that are reshaping the future of innovation. We examine why many of these entrepreneurs reject the relentless "996" work culture, yet remain remarkably private as they navigate political scrutiny and an increasingly complex international environment. The story reveals a changing face of Chinese capitalism, where success is no longer measured only by scale and wealth, but also by the ability to innovate quietly while balancing ambition, creativity, and political reality.https://www.economist.com/business/2026/07/19/chinas-mysterious-new-billionaires-are-conquering-the-world