Zhou Qunfei, born in 1970 in Xiangxiang, Hunan, China, and now holding Hong Kong nationality, is a businesswoman best known as the founder of Lens Technology, a company specializing in touchscreen manufacturing. Years ago, she was ranked as the world’s richest woman thanks to the extraordinary growth of her business at the global level.
Early struggles and first steps
Zhou’s story resonates with many because of her humble beginnings. At 16, she left secondary school and took a job on a farm raising animals to support her family. Later, she moved to Shenzhen, where she began working in a small workshop making watch lenses. Despite low wages, her determination and bold character quickly stood out. After demanding better conditions, she was promoted, but by the age of 22 she was ready to start something of her own.
With savings from her farm work, family support, and income from her job, Zhou opened a small workshop focused on improving glass quality for watches. In a rented apartment with her family’s help, she refined her craft and resumed her university studies, earning various certifications.
The turning point: Motorola and the rise of Lens Technology
In the early 2000s, Zhou’s breakthrough came when Motorola contacted her to supply glass screens, as the company was shifting from plastic to glass displays. This opportunity positioned her workshop as a trusted supplier.
In 2003, Zhou officially founded Lens Technology, securing a major contract with Motorola. Soon after, Apple and other tech giants followed. In 2007, Apple launched the first iPhone with a glass touchscreen produced by Lens Technology, marking a new era in mobile technology. From that moment, her company became the leading supplier in the industry. Today, around 75% of its revenue comes from Apple and Samsung.
Global expansion and recognition
Lens Technology has grown into a massive enterprise with over 32 factories and more than 90,000 employees. In 2015, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, sending its shares soaring and dramatically increasing Zhou’s wealth. That same year, she was ranked as China’s richest woman.
Zhou has emphasized how China’s policies supported women entrepreneurs, crediting the environment that allowed her to succeed. She has been featured on Forbes and Fortune, representing perseverance and dedication, and inspiring women globally.
Achievements
- In 2015, became the richest woman in China.
- Ranked 18th on Fortune’s 2016 list of Asia’s most powerful women.
- Ranked 211th on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
From a small apartment workshop to supplying Apple and Samsung, Zhou Qunfei’s journey illustrates how persistence and vision can transform obstacles into one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial success stories of the 21st century.