Tencent Holdings

Tencent Holdings Limited is a leading internet service provider based in Shenzhen, China, known for its extensive range of value-added services, including online games, social networking, financial technology, and online advertising. Founded in 1998, Tencent operates major platforms such as WeChat and QQ, which facilitate communication, entertainment, and e-commerce for millions of users. The company is recognized as the world's largest video game publisher, with popular titles like Honor of Kings in its portfolio. In addition to its core services, Tencent is involved in the production and distribution of films and television programs, as well as software development and digital content licensing. With a focus on user-oriented strategies, Tencent continues to adapt and expand its offerings, positioning itself as a vital part of daily life for many consumers in China and beyond.

Hongwei Chen

Executive Director of Investment

Martin Lau

President

Jeffrey Li

Managing Partner

Alvin Liu

Co-Founder

Steven Ma

SVP

Danying Ma

Managing Director

Huateng Ma

Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO

Ye Wang

Associate Director, Global Data Intelligence and Data Service, IEG

Bo Wang

Vice President, Tencent Games

Xiaoguang Wu

Senior Executive Vice President and CEO

Yao Xia

Executive Director

Levin Yao

Managing Director, Tencent Investment

Wenlei Zhuang

Vice President of Tencent Cloud and Head of Tencent Cloud Strategic Investment

phil mu

Chief Investment Officer

Dowson Tong

President of Social Network Group, Senior Executive Vice President

Past deals in Social Network

Lens Protocol

Seed Round in 2023
Lens Protocol is a composable and decentralized social network serving the Web3 community. It enables creators to build their own web3 social media platforms and accounts, giving them control over their connections with their communities and also ownership over their content.

ShareChat

Debt Financing in 2022
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.

Xiaohongshu

Series E in 2021
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, China, is a lifestyle sharing platform that allows users to share experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially aimed at assisting overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle areas, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform serves as a social e-commerce space where users can post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in luxury and beauty sectors. By fostering user-generated content, Xiaohongshu encourages a collaborative environment for lifestyle enthusiasts to exchange insights and recommendations.

Soul APP

Series D in 2021
Launched in 2016, Soul App is now one of the leading social networking applications in China. With a robust user base among Chinese Gen Z, Soul was designed to empower self-value expression and foster genuine relationships based on interest graphs and AI algorithms. Soul aspires to build a virtual social playground for its users to socialize, connect and maintain relationships free from the geographic and social constraints. Soul is the first social networking platform in China that requires all users to interact through avatars, and has a unique business model driven by the integration of intensive user interactions and an engaging community. Soul distinguishes itself from other peers with focus on virtual identities, open-ended relationships based on interest graphs, extensive user generated content (UGC), decentralized content distribution and its proprietary technologies. Nowadays, Soul pioneers in embracing the AI technologies in the social networking industry to meet the evolving social demand from the younger generation. In 2020, Soul kicked off its AIGC technology R&D. In 2023, Soul launched a proprietary large language model (LLM), Soul X, and has seamlessly embedded AI capabilities across use cases on its platform, which epitomizes Soul's product philosophy of the “Synergic Model-application Interplay”.

Reddit

Series E in 2021
Reddit, established in 2005, operates as a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website. It facilitates users to submit links, create content, and engage in discussions on a wide array of topics, from gaming and sports to business and cryptocurrency.

Soul APP

Series D in 2020
Launched in 2016, Soul App is now one of the leading social networking applications in China. With a robust user base among Chinese Gen Z, Soul was designed to empower self-value expression and foster genuine relationships based on interest graphs and AI algorithms. Soul aspires to build a virtual social playground for its users to socialize, connect and maintain relationships free from the geographic and social constraints. Soul is the first social networking platform in China that requires all users to interact through avatars, and has a unique business model driven by the integration of intensive user interactions and an engaging community. Soul distinguishes itself from other peers with focus on virtual identities, open-ended relationships based on interest graphs, extensive user generated content (UGC), decentralized content distribution and its proprietary technologies. Nowadays, Soul pioneers in embracing the AI technologies in the social networking industry to meet the evolving social demand from the younger generation. In 2020, Soul kicked off its AIGC technology R&D. In 2023, Soul launched a proprietary large language model (LLM), Soul X, and has seamlessly embedded AI capabilities across use cases on its platform, which epitomizes Soul's product philosophy of the “Synergic Model-application Interplay”.

Pratilipi

Series C in 2020
Pratilipi is a storytelling platform that connects readers and writers across multiple Indian languages. The platform enables users to discover, read, and share a diverse range of stories, poems, and books, catering to their preferences in language and format. By hosting various authors and attracting millions of unique monthly readers, Pratilipi facilitates a vibrant community where individuals can express their creativity and explore narratives that resonate with them. This focus on accessibility and user engagement makes Pratilipi a significant player in the digital storytelling landscape in India.

Kuaishou Technology

Series F in 2019
Kuaishou Technology, founded in 2011 and based in Beijing, China, operates an online video and photo sharing application known as Kuaishou. The platform enables users to broadcast their daily activities and engage with a global audience through short videos, photos, and live streams. Kuaishou aims to enhance individual happiness by leveraging big data and artificial intelligence technology, promoting equal opportunities through its algorithms and ethical values. The app empowers everyday individuals in China to share their experiences and connect with fans worldwide. Additionally, Kuaishou has an international counterpart, Kwai, which offers similar features tailored for users outside of China. With an average of 275.9 million daily active users, Kuaishou generates revenue by selling virtual items, online marketing, and earning commissions from e-commerce transactions on its platform.

Bunch

Seed Round in 2019
Bunch Live, Inc. is a technology company that operates the Bunch platform, a party application designed for multiplayer gaming. Established in 2017 and based in New York City, Bunch allows users to engage in games with friends via group video chat, enhancing the social aspect of gaming. The platform also facilitates game developers by enabling integration, which allows players to connect with friends and enjoy live mobile games together. By providing an easy way to discover, play, and share games, Bunch aims to revolutionize the way people interact in the gaming community.

MyGate

Series B in 2019
MyGate is a technology-driven solution tailored for gated communities, aimed at enhancing the lives of residents, visitors, service providers, and security personnel. The company offers a comprehensive platform that includes features such as security alerts, automated visitor authentication, an e-intercom system, and real-time management of domestic help. These tools facilitate communication between security guards and homeowners, allowing for efficient updates through SMS and application alerts. By focusing on security and convenience, MyGate serves over 600,000 homes across 11 cities in India, providing essential support to community management and ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders involved. Recognized as one of India's most innovative start-ups in 2018, MyGate continues to lead in transforming the landscape of gated community management.

Mafengwo

Series E in 2019
Mafengwo is a prominent Chinese travel social networking site that facilitates the sharing of travel experiences among users. The platform boasts over one million entries of user-generated travel guides and more than five million ratings and reviews, catering to a diverse array of travel-related needs, including information on hotels, flights, travel routes, visas, and insurance. Since its inception, Mafengwo has served over 25 million users, emphasizing user experience by continually enhancing its social platform for sharing travel information. Its core product, the Travel Guide, encompasses more than 95% of global travel destinations and has surpassed 100 million downloads. In 2012, Mafengwo expanded its offerings by integrating booking services from major platforms such as Booking, Agoda, Ctrip, and eLong, further solidifying its position in the travel industry.

Reddit

Series D in 2019
Reddit, established in 2005, operates as a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website. It facilitates users to submit links, create content, and engage in discussions on a wide array of topics, from gaming and sports to business and cryptocurrency.

Discord

Series F in 2018
Discord is a communication platform that offers voice, video, and text services, enabling users to connect with friends and communities. Originally designed for gamers, it has evolved to serve a broader audience, including local clubs, art groups, and study sessions. The platform supports voice-over-internet protocol and texting, ensuring seamless communication across desktops and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage in conversations and activities without compromising performance, particularly for gamers who require uninterrupted communication while playing. Discord's focus on community interaction has made it a popular choice for diverse groups seeking to collaborate and socialize online.

Haoyiku

Series B in 2018
Haoyiku is a community-based e-commerce platform founded in 2017 by Qiangqiang Wu and based in Hangzhou. The company specializes in apparel and operates a unique S2b2C model that connects suppliers, businesses, and consumers. By leveraging social networks and the WeChat app, Haoyiku facilitates features such as rapid payment settlement and customer outreach. This approach not only helps partner brands manage inventory effectively but also enables individual merchants to sell products within their own social circles. Through its platform, Haoyiku aims to enhance business performance while maintaining a low return rate on purchases.

Xiaohongshu

Series D in 2018
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, China, is a lifestyle sharing platform that allows users to share experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially aimed at assisting overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle areas, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform serves as a social e-commerce space where users can post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in luxury and beauty sectors. By fostering user-generated content, Xiaohongshu encourages a collaborative environment for lifestyle enthusiasts to exchange insights and recommendations.

Discord

Series E in 2018
Discord is a communication platform that offers voice, video, and text services, enabling users to connect with friends and communities. Originally designed for gamers, it has evolved to serve a broader audience, including local clubs, art groups, and study sessions. The platform supports voice-over-internet protocol and texting, ensuring seamless communication across desktops and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage in conversations and activities without compromising performance, particularly for gamers who require uninterrupted communication while playing. Discord's focus on community interaction has made it a popular choice for diverse groups seeking to collaborate and socialize online.

Wanda Commercial Management Group

Funding Round in 2018
Dalian Wanda Commercial Management Group Co., Ltd. is a prominent player in the management and operation of commercial properties in China. Founded in 1988 and based in Beijing, the company was previously known as Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties until its name change in 2018. The company operates a significant network of Wanda Plazas, which serve as multifunctional venues for social networking, entertainment, catering, and retail, effectively creating independent business districts that act as urban centers. As of 2017, Wanda Commercial managed 235 Wanda Plazas, which attracted over 3 billion visitors and encompassed approximately 31.5 million square meters of commercial space. In addition to its retail operations, Dalian Wanda also invests in cultural tourism parks, hotels, cinemas, and other entertainment ventures, addressing a wide range of consumer needs through its diverse portfolio.

Kuaishou Technology

Series E in 2018
Kuaishou Technology, founded in 2011 and based in Beijing, China, operates an online video and photo sharing application known as Kuaishou. The platform enables users to broadcast their daily activities and engage with a global audience through short videos, photos, and live streams. Kuaishou aims to enhance individual happiness by leveraging big data and artificial intelligence technology, promoting equal opportunities through its algorithms and ethical values. The app empowers everyday individuals in China to share their experiences and connect with fans worldwide. Additionally, Kuaishou has an international counterpart, Kwai, which offers similar features tailored for users outside of China. With an average of 275.9 million daily active users, Kuaishou generates revenue by selling virtual items, online marketing, and earning commissions from e-commerce transactions on its platform.

Medlinker

Series C in 2017
Medlinker operates as a social networking platform specifically designed for certified doctors, enabling them to connect with peers and access high-quality medical information. The platform facilitates knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals, allowing users to exchange experiences and insights. It offers various features, including medical quizzes, case mapping, and anonymous social circles, aimed at enhancing collaboration within the medical community. Additionally, Medlinker connects verified doctors with healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and insurance firms, streamlining the process for patients to book medical appointments and submit inquiries to the medical community. Through these functionalities, Medlinker aims to improve the efficiency of healthcare interactions and support physicians in their professional development.

Snap

Post in 2017
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.

Kuaishou Technology

Series D in 2017
Kuaishou Technology, founded in 2011 and based in Beijing, China, operates an online video and photo sharing application known as Kuaishou. The platform enables users to broadcast their daily activities and engage with a global audience through short videos, photos, and live streams. Kuaishou aims to enhance individual happiness by leveraging big data and artificial intelligence technology, promoting equal opportunities through its algorithms and ethical values. The app empowers everyday individuals in China to share their experiences and connect with fans worldwide. Additionally, Kuaishou has an international counterpart, Kwai, which offers similar features tailored for users outside of China. With an average of 275.9 million daily active users, Kuaishou generates revenue by selling virtual items, online marketing, and earning commissions from e-commerce transactions on its platform.

Pepo

Seed Round in 2016
Pepo, Inc. is a mobile application company based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2016. The app connects users with others who share similar passions, allowing them to follow engaging stories, share personal experiences, ask questions, and exchange advice and recommendations. Pepo facilitates the creation and joining of live messaging community channels on a wide range of topics, including travel, food, fitness, technology, and more. Users can tag their profiles to highlight their interests and expertise, enabling the platform to match them with like-minded individuals. By providing a space for enthusiasts to interact and share their stories, Pepo fosters meaningful connections among its users.

Gengmei

Series C in 2016
Gengmei is a Chinese mobile application established in 2013, specializing in connecting users seeking cosmetic surgery with qualified professionals. The platform offers real-life plastic surgery case studies, covering various procedures such as micro-plastic surgery, dental work, ophthalmology, and anti-aging treatments. With over 3.4 million cases across 204 cities and five overseas regions, Gengmei has helped approximately 22 million users find suitable doctors, reducing the risk of subpar services and assisting professionals in building their personal brands.

You Qingqu

Angel Round in 2016
You Qingqu is a social network for strangers with user-generated content membership. Their team has extensive experience in mobile Internet research, development, operation, and promotion and has successfully created and run a number of live video social apps in the country. It is a program for live dating chat videos, live beauty displays, and live broadcasting platforms.

Xiaohongshu

Series C in 2016
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, China, is a lifestyle sharing platform that allows users to share experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially aimed at assisting overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle areas, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform serves as a social e-commerce space where users can post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in luxury and beauty sectors. By fostering user-generated content, Xiaohongshu encourages a collaborative environment for lifestyle enthusiasts to exchange insights and recommendations.

Discord

Series C in 2016
Discord is a communication platform that offers voice, video, and text services, enabling users to connect with friends and communities. Originally designed for gamers, it has evolved to serve a broader audience, including local clubs, art groups, and study sessions. The platform supports voice-over-internet protocol and texting, ensuring seamless communication across desktops and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage in conversations and activities without compromising performance, particularly for gamers who require uninterrupted communication while playing. Discord's focus on community interaction has made it a popular choice for diverse groups seeking to collaborate and socialize online.

Kik

Series D in 2015
Kik, founded in 2009 by a group of University of Waterloo students, is a mobile messaging application based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate connections among users, services, and businesses, particularly targeting a teenage audience. Kik offers features that allow users to share their feelings and engage with friends and family, as well as chatbots for entertainment. With over 300 million registered users, Kik has established itself as a popular messaging platform, with more than 40% of young Americans using it as their primary messaging app. Users typically spend an average of 35 minutes per session within the app, reflecting its strong engagement. The company is supported by notable venture capitalists and has raised significant funding, with Tencent, the creator of WeChat, as a strategic investor.

Discord

Series B in 2015
Discord is a communication platform that offers voice, video, and text services, enabling users to connect with friends and communities. Originally designed for gamers, it has evolved to serve a broader audience, including local clubs, art groups, and study sessions. The platform supports voice-over-internet protocol and texting, ensuring seamless communication across desktops and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage in conversations and activities without compromising performance, particularly for gamers who require uninterrupted communication while playing. Discord's focus on community interaction has made it a popular choice for diverse groups seeking to collaborate and socialize online.

SketchMe

Seed Round in 2015
SketchMe is a social media application that enables its users to capture their friends’ special moments and share them with one another.

Spot

Seed Round in 2015
LBS social app

Cloudary

Acquisition in 2015
Cloudary Corporation is a prominent provider of literature and publication services in the People’s Republic of China. The company operates a community-driven literary platform featuring six original literature websites, which include Qidian.com, Readnovel.com, Hongxiu.com, Xs8.cn, Xxsy.net, and Rongshuxia.com. These platforms cover a diverse range of genres, such as fantasy, wuxia, science fiction, mystery, and romance. In addition to its extensive collection of literary works, Cloudary enhances user experience by offering community tools, including personal spaces, virtual gifting options, a book review bar, and forums for discussion. Through these services, Cloudary fosters a vibrant online literary community, engaging readers and writers alike.

Breadtrip

Series C in 2014
BreadTrip is a social application designed for travelers to record and share their journeys through detailed travelogues. Launched in May 2012, the app allows users to create maps of visited locations, upload photos with descriptions, and document accommodations and flights. It features tools for tracking travel routes, recording travel footprints with offline access, and adding geo-tags to photos. Additionally, users can search for travelogues created by others, as well as like and comment on shared images. By providing a platform for comprehensive travel documentation, BreadTrip aims to simplify trip planning and enhance the travel experience for its users.

AltspaceVR

Seed Round in 2014
AltspaceVR, Inc. is a social virtual reality software company that offers a communication platform designed to facilitate interaction and shared experiences among users worldwide. Founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California, the company enables individuals to connect in virtual reality for various activities, including gaming, streaming content, attending live events, and business collaboration. The platform integrates two-dimensional web content into shared virtual spaces, extending the web to create immersive holographic experiences. As a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation since 2017, AltspaceVR aims to foster genuine connections by allowing users to engage with one another in a natural and fulfilling manner, enhancing their ability to socialize and collaborate in virtual environments.

Vurb

Series A in 2014
Vurb is a mobile application developer focused on enhancing user experience by providing a personalized search and messaging platform. Founded in 2011 by Bobby Lo, the company aims to create a more connected mobile environment that empowers users to discover, plan, and engage in activities using a single app. Vurb's platform aggregates community recommendations, rich content, and relevant services, enabling users to easily find, save, and participate in desired activities based on their preferences. Headquartered in San Francisco, Vurb gained recognition as the winner of TechCrunch Disrupt NY in 2014 and has received backing from prominent investors in Silicon Valley.

Whisper

Series C in 2014
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

QuizUp

Series B in 2013
QuizUp is a mobile game developer known for its trivia game that enhances user interaction through features such as one-to-one messaging, discussion boards, and region-specific leaderboards. The game allows players to compete against one another while also engaging in discussions and sharing knowledge across various topics. It organizes leaderboards by city, state, and country, fostering a competitive spirit among users. Through these interactive elements, QuizUp aims to create a dynamic and engaging platform for trivia enthusiasts.

Snap

Series B in 2013
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.

QuizUp

Series A in 2013
QuizUp is a mobile game developer known for its trivia game that enhances user interaction through features such as one-to-one messaging, discussion boards, and region-specific leaderboards. The game allows players to compete against one another while also engaging in discussions and sharing knowledge across various topics. It organizes leaderboards by city, state, and country, fostering a competitive spirit among users. Through these interactive elements, QuizUp aims to create a dynamic and engaging platform for trivia enthusiasts.

Contacts+

Seed Round in 2012
Contacts+ is a contact management application designed for individual and corporate clients, providing a streamlined and efficient way to manage personal and professional connections. The application features a comprehensive address book that aggregates contact information from various social interactions, presenting it in a user-friendly format. In addition to storing contact details, Contacts+ includes functionalities such as a call log and dialer, allowing users to access up-to-date information and connect with others anytime and anywhere. The platform aims to enhance communication by bringing together all relevant people-related information and services in one cohesive solution.

Couple

Seed Round in 2012
Couple is an app just for the two of you. It helps you stay connected, and feel close to each other. Whether it's texting, sharing videos, photos, sketching together and more, Couple let's your partner know that you're thinking about them. Couple was part of the YCombinator W2012 batch, and was formerly named Pair until they renamed to Couple on January 31st, 2013.

Ark

Seed Round in 2012
Ark.com, Inc., founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, offers a search engine service that enables users to find individuals across various social networks. The platform allows users to search for old classmates, new business contacts, and friends by utilizing multiple search filters, including location, employer, schools, and interests. This service is designed to provide users with comprehensive information about people, facilitating connections in a straightforward manner. By streamlining the process of discovering contacts, Ark enhances users' ability to network and reconnect with others effortlessly.

Comsenz

Acquisition in 2010
Hong Sing Chong (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Comsenz, is a leading provider of platform and community services in China, headquartered in Beijing's Zhongguancun High-tech Park. The company specializes in the development and operation of internet community platforms and application technology solutions. With a workforce of over 180 employees, more than 70 percent of whom are technical staff, Comsenz boasts a highly skilled research and development team. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products centered around UCenter, which includes tools such as UCenter Home, Discuz!, SupeSite, ECShop, and SupeV, catering to a wide range of community needs. Comsenz is committed to technological innovation within the community space, providing bulletin board services, social networking software, and hosting solutions to enhance user engagement and interaction.
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