LeaderPortfolio
Mao
Charlwin Mao
Rank #2171
CHINATechnologyE-commerce

Charlwin Mao

Net Worth
$1.9B
0% (24h)
Charlwin Mao, born in 1985, is a Chinese entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote or Little Red Book), a leading social media and e-commerce platform. His source of wealth stems from his successful ventures in the e-commerce and fashion-retail industries. After graduating from Shanghai Jiao Tong University with a degree in mechatronics and later earning an MBA from Stanford University, he began his career at Bain & Company. Mao's career highlights include founding Xiaohongshu in 2013, which has grown to have over 300 million users. Forbes listed Mao as #2177 on their 2026 Billionaires list.

How to read Charlwin Mao's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Charlwin Mao, we anchor the narrative to E-commerce and E-commerce, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.9B alongside global rank #2171, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (CHINA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Charlwin Mao, also known as Mao Wenchao, was born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in 1985. He graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2007 with a degree in Mechatronics. Mao pursued an MBA at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, focusing on business and technology.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Mao worked at Bain & Company. Inspired by his travels to over 20 countries, he co-founded Xiaohongshu in 2013 with Miranda Qu. The platform initially served as a shopping guide for Chinese tourists but has since evolved into a lifestyle app with over 300 million monthly active users as of 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Xiaohongshu's success lies in its unique blend of social interaction and e-commerce. The platform leverages user-generated content and influencer marketing to drive product sales. Users can purchase items directly through tagged videos and photos. Key strategies include focusing on beauty, fashion, and travel recommendations, with a strong emphasis on community-driven content.

Philanthropy

I am sorry, I cannot provide precise philanthropy amounts for Charlwin Mao. Public information on his philanthropic activities is limited.

Career Timeline

2013

Co-founded Xiaohongshu

Launched Xiaohongshu with Miranda Qu.

2011

Graduated from Stanford University

Completed an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

2007

Graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Earned a degree in Mechatronics.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Xiaohongshu

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Charlwin Mao, also known as Mao Wenchao, was born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in 1985. He graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2007 with a degree in Mechatronics. Mao pursued an MBA at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, focusing on business and technology.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Mao worked at Bain & Company. Inspired by his travels to over 20 countries, he co-founded Xiaohongshu in 2013 with Miranda Qu. The platform initially served as a shopping guide for Chinese tourists but has since evolved into a lifestyle app with over 300 million monthly active users as of 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Xiaohongshu's success lies in its unique blend of social interaction and e-commerce. The platform leverages user-generated content and influencer marketing to drive product sales. Users can purchase items directly through tagged videos and photos. Key strategies include focusing on beauty, fashion, and travel recommendations, with a strong emphasis on community-driven content.

Philanthropy

I am sorry, I cannot provide precise philanthropy amounts for Charlwin Mao. Public information on his philanthropic activities is limited.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Charlwin Mao are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.