Mao Wenchao
Mao Wenchao | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hubei Province, China |
| Other names | Charlwin Mao |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Known for | Co-founder and CEO of Xiaohongshu |
Mao Wenchao, who is also referred to as Charlwin Mao, holds the position of CEO and is a co-founder of Xiaohongshu (Red Note), a social media and e-commerce enterprise headquartered in Shanghai. Originating from Hubei Province, China, Mao commenced his studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2003, specializing in Mechatronics. During his academic tenure, he took part in international exchange initiatives and entrepreneurship contests before advancing to pursue an MBA at Stanford University. Mao completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 2007 and later joined Bain & Company.
In 2013, Mao co-established Xiaohongshu, which expanded to surpass 300 million users by July 2024. At the age of 36 in 2020, he was recognized as one of the Top 10 Chinese business leaders under 40, alongside co-founder Qu Fang. By the year 2023, Xiaohongshu achieved revenues exceeding RMB 10 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion).
Education
Mao was born in Hubei Province and enrolled at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2003 with a major in Mechatronics. He engaged in international exchange programs and later earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, concentrating on business and technology disciplines. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 2007.
Career
Following his graduation, Mao Wenchao gained professional experience at Bain & Company and Bain Capital, specializing in management consulting and private equity sectors. His travels to over 20 countries inspired the creation of a platform designed to provide shopping guidance for Chinese travelers abroad.
Together with Qu Feng (Miranda Qu), whose net worth Forbes estimates at approximately $1.3 billion, Mao founded Xiaohongshu in 2013. The platform’s name translates to “Little Red Book,” alluding to a collection of quotes by Mao Zedong. Mao has explained that the app’s red color palette draws inspiration from Stanford University and Bain Capital, representing prominent American business symbols while maintaining an apolitical stance.
By 2024, Xiaohongshu had rapidly expanded to around 300 million monthly active users and was valued at $20 billion USD. In 2020, at age 36, Mao was honored as one of China’s Top 10 business elites under 40 by China Daily. The company is operated by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, with Mao serving as its CEO.
Mao promotes a modern yet professional corporate environment. Employees are allowed to bring pets into the office on Fridays, and informal corporate nicknames are customary—Mao is referred to as Seiya after a Japanese anime character, while Qu goes by Mulan. Additionally, Mao conducts interviews late into the night to evaluate candidates’ dedication levels.