Zhou Qunfei, the founder of Lens Technology, is the world’s richest self-made woman in the tech industry. She faced many challenges and hardships on her journey, but despite all the obstacles, she succeeded in ways that once seemed impossible. Even with all her success, she remains humble and is always ready to work alongside her employees.
Her company has worked with some of the biggest names in technology, including Apple and Samsung. Zhou’s story serves as an inspiration for countless women, especially in a world where men often dominate business and tech.
Early Life
Zhou was born in 1970 in Xiangxiang, Hunan Province, China, into a poor family. Her father, a former army man, was partially blind and had lost a finger in an industrial accident before she was born. Zhou’s mother passed away when she was only five years old. To help her father financially, Zhou raised animals for small profits, while her father made bamboo baskets, chairs, and repaired bicycles to support the family.
Zhou finished her secondary education locally, then moved to Guangdong at the age of sixteen to live with her uncle. She worked as a migrant worker in Shenzhen, aiming to improve her life.
Career
In Shenzhen, Zhou worked near Shenzhen University, which allowed her to continue her studies while working. She earned certifications in areas like computer operations, accounting, and customs processing. She even got a license to drive commercial vehicles.
At the age of 22, Zhou used her savings to start her own company in 1993. The company initially focused on making high-quality watch lenses. In 2001, the company received a major order to produce phone screens for the Chinese company TCL.
Lens Company & Struggles
In 2003, Zhou’s company got another huge opportunity by making glass screens for Motorola. This was a turning point for the business, as it started to produce touch screens as well. However, Zhou faced a difficult situation when her competitors became jealous and worked with suppliers to push her out of the market. The suppliers changed the rules and demanded full payment before delivering any materials.
To keep the company going, Zhou sold her house and other valuables. At one point, feeling overwhelmed, she even considered ending her life by jumping from a train platform in Hong Kong. But just as she was about to give up, her daughter’s call reminded her of what was truly important. Zhou then reached out to Motorola for help, and with their support, she managed to overcome the crisis.
After that, her company began receiving orders from other major phone brands, including HTC and Nokia. In 2007, her company started producing touch screens for Apple’s iPhone, helping Lens Technology become a dominant player in the market.
In March 2015, Lens Technology went public, reaching a net worth of $10 billion, making Zhou the richest woman in China. By 2018, she was named the world’s richest self-made woman, with a net worth of $9.8 billion.