He Sold His Startup to Alibaba. Then Bet It All on Cars.
He built a mobile browser used by millions. Alibaba bought it. He used his fortune to rescue an electric car startup.
Many founders sell their company and relax.
He Xiaopeng sold his to Alibaba, and then threw himself into one of the hardest businesses on Earth: making cars.
Today his company, XPeng, builds smart electric cars, and it is also working on humanoid robots and flying cars.
A kid from Hubei who loved code
He Xiaopeng was born on November 3, 1977, in Huangshi, Hubei province, China.
He studied computer science at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou.
UCWeb
In 2004, He co-founded UCWeb, which made a mobile web browser. Before smartphones took over, UC Browser helped hundreds of millions of people use the internet on simple phones.
In 2014, Alibaba bought UCWeb. He joined Alibaba and led several parts of its mobile business.
Betting on cars
That same year, a young Guangzhou electric car startup called XPeng was getting started. He invested early. In 2017, he left Alibaba to become XPeng's chairman and CEO.
XPeng focused on smart cars with advanced driver assistance software, built by its own team.
In August 2020, XPeng went public on the New York Stock Exchange. It later added a listing in Hong Kong.
Tough times and a big partner
China's EV market became a brutal price war. XPeng struggled with slow sales in 2022.
In 2023, Volkswagen invested about $700 million in XPeng to develop cars together. XPeng's sales recovered with new models like the G9 and the more affordable MONA line.
Robots and flying cars
He Xiaopeng thinks cars are just the start. XPeng is developing IRON, a humanoid robot, and its affiliate AeroHT is building flying cars.
In 2026, XPeng switched on an automated production line for IRON, aiming for mass production by the end of the year.
Where he is now
Today, He Xiaopeng is chairman and CEO of XPeng, betting on AI across cars, robots and flying vehicles.
Why the story matters
He Xiaopeng's story shows courage after success. He had already won in tech. He chose to start again in a harder field.
For young builders, the lesson is simple. Winning once can give you the power to chase an even bigger dream.
He did not retire rich. He bet big again.
The Record
Born: November 3, 1977
From: Huangshi, Hubei, China
Studied: Computer science, South China University of Technology
Built: UCWeb, XPeng
Timeline
1977 Born in Huangshi, Hubei.
2004 Co-founds UCWeb.
2014 Alibaba buys UCWeb. Invests in XPeng.
2017 Leaves Alibaba to lead XPeng.
2020 XPeng lists on the NYSE.
2023 Volkswagen invests in XPeng.
2026 IRON humanoid robot production line starts.