NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Li
Robin Li
Rank #550
CHINA•Technology•Internet search

Robin Li

Net Worth
$7.053B
-2.83% (24h)
Robin Li, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Baidu, is a prominent Chinese internet entrepreneur. Born in 1968, he has built a career centered on Internet search and AI. His early innovation, the RankDex algorithm, laid the groundwork for Baidu's success, making him a multibillionaire. Li's leadership has driven Baidu to become China's leading search engine and a major player in AI. As of March 25, 2026, he is estimated to have a net worth of $6.9 billion. He is known for his dedication to advancing technology and for his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare.

How to read Robin Li'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 Robin Li, we anchor the narrative to Internet search and Internet search, 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 $7.053B alongside global rank #550, 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

Robin Li, born Li Yanhong on November 17, 1968, in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, China. He was the fourth of five children and the only son of factory worker parents. Growing up during China's Cultural Revolution, Li showed an early interest in technology, studying computer programming in high school. He excelled academically, scoring high on the National Higher Education Entrance Examination. In 1991, Li earned a bachelor's degree in information management from Peking University. Later, he pursued a master's degree in computer science at the State University of New York at Buffalo, completing it in 1994.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Li worked at IDD Information Services, a division of Dow Jones & Company, where he helped develop software for the online edition of The Wall Street Journal. It was here that Li developed the RankDex algorithm, an early link-analysis search algorithm, in 1996. This innovation, which ranked websites by hyperlink structure, predated Google's PageRank. Inspired by the success of American tech figures, Li, along with Eric Xu, co-founded Baidu in January 2000. Under Li's leadership, Baidu became the dominant search engine in China. The company's IPO on NASDAQ in 2005 marked a significant milestone.

Key Business Strategies

Li's strategic focus on the Chinese market and innovation played a crucial role in Baidu's success. By understanding and catering to the unique needs of Chinese users, Baidu became the go-to search engine for over a billion users. Li has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence, positioning Baidu as a full-stack AI company with offerings ranging from chips and cloud infrastructure to models and applications. Baidu's early investment in AI, starting around 2010, enabled them to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Philanthropy

Robin Li and his wife, Melissa Ma, have engaged in significant personal philanthropy, particularly in higher education, focusing on AI and related technologies. In 2018, they donated 660 million RMB (approximately $104 million USD at the time) to Peking University to support cutting-edge AI research and interdisciplinary programs.

Career Timeline

2023

TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI

Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in AI.

2005

Baidu IPO

Led Baidu through its initial public offering on NASDAQ.

2000

Co-founded Baidu

Co-founded Baidu with Eric Xu, which later became China's largest search engine.

1996

Developed RankDex

Created RankDex, an early link-analysis search algorithm, while at IDD Information Services.

Philanthropic Impact

Education$104M

Peking University Donation

Donated approximately $104 million to Peking University for AI research and interdisciplinary programs

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Baidu20.00%$1.38M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Robin Li, born Li Yanhong on November 17, 1968, in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, China. He was the fourth of five children and the only son of factory worker parents. Growing up during China's Cultural Revolution, Li showed an early interest in technology, studying computer programming in high school. He excelled academically, scoring high on the National Higher Education Entrance Examination. In 1991, Li earned a bachelor's degree in information management from Peking University. Later, he pursued a master's degree in computer science at the State University of New York at Buffalo, completing it in 1994.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Li worked at IDD Information Services, a division of Dow Jones & Company, where he helped develop software for the online edition of The Wall Street Journal. It was here that Li developed the RankDex algorithm, an early link-analysis search algorithm, in 1996. This innovation, which ranked websites by hyperlink structure, predated Google's PageRank. Inspired by the success of American tech figures, Li, along with Eric Xu, co-founded Baidu in January 2000. Under Li's leadership, Baidu became the dominant search engine in China. The company's IPO on NASDAQ in 2005 marked a significant milestone.

Key Business Strategies

Li's strategic focus on the Chinese market and innovation played a crucial role in Baidu's success. By understanding and catering to the unique needs of Chinese users, Baidu became the go-to search engine for over a billion users. Li has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence, positioning Baidu as a full-stack AI company with offerings ranging from chips and cloud infrastructure to models and applications. Baidu's early investment in AI, starting around 2010, enabled them to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Philanthropy

Robin Li and his wife, Melissa Ma, have engaged in significant personal philanthropy, particularly in higher education, focusing on AI and related technologies. In 2018, they donated 660 million RMB (approximately $104 million USD at the time) to Peking University to support cutting-edge AI research and interdisciplinary programs.

Data Sources & Methodology

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

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