In a world driven by technology, where touchscreen devices have become ubiquitous, the name Zhou Qunfei shines as a beacon of innovation. Born in 1970 in Xiangxiang, Hunan province, China, Zhou Qunfei’s journey from a humble beginning to founding Lens Technology, a major touchscreen manufacturing company, is nothing short of remarkable. This in-depth exploration by Zatrun.com delves into her life, her path to success, and the groundbreaking impact of Lens Technology.
Early Life and Aspirations: A Humble Beginning
Zhou Qunfei’s early life was marked by hardship and the pursuit of knowledge. She was born into a poor family, the youngest of three children, in a small village. Her father, a skilled craftsman, struggled to make ends meet after a life-altering industrial accident. With a strong desire to learn, Zhou was the only one among her siblings to attend secondary school. She exhibited promise as a bright student, but at the age of 16, she took a bold step by moving to Shenzhen, a thriving economic zone in Guangdong province, to become a migrant worker.
While working in Shenzhen, Zhou recognized the value of education. She intentionally chose to work for companies near Shenzhen University, allowing her to attend part-time courses. Her determination led her to attain certifications in accounting, computer operations, customs processing, and even commercial vehicle driving.
From Factory Worker to Entrepreneur: A Pivotal Decision
Zhou Qunfei’s journey took an unexpected turn when she landed a job at a small family-run firm manufacturing watch parts. The working conditions, however, left her dissatisfied, prompting her to submit a resignation letter. Her heartfelt letter, expressing gratitude for the opportunity while explaining her reasons for leaving, had a surprising effect. Instead of accepting her resignation, the factory chief offered her a promotion.
As circumstances would have it, the factory eventually closed its doors. This pivotal moment in Zhou’s life led her to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. In 1993, at the age of 22 and armed with savings of HK$20,000 (~USD$3,000), she founded her own company. Zhou’s journey began with her brother, sister, their spouses, and two cousins, all working from a three-bedroom apartment. The company aimed to provide high-quality watch lenses, and Zhou, with her hands-on approach, played a pivotal role in all aspects of the business.
The Touchscreen Revolution Begins: Lens Technology
In 2001, Zhou’s company received a life-changing opportunity when it secured a contract to manufacture mobile phone screens for the Chinese electronics giant TCL Corporation. This marked the beginning of a revolution in touchscreen technology.
Recognizing the industry’s shift from plastic to glass display screens, Zhou Qunfei established Lens Technology in 2003. Her innovative approach led the company to receive orders from major mobile-phone manufacturers such as HTC, Nokia, and Samsung Electronics. However, it was her collaboration with Apple in producing touch screens for the iPhone during its 2007 debut that catapulted Lens Technology to the forefront of the industry.
Today, Lens Technology stands as a dominant player, primarily supplying touchscreens to renowned electronics manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei. With nearly 75% of its revenue coming from these tech giants, the company is a driving force in the touchscreen technology sector. Notably, Lens Technology’s glass and sapphire crystal screens are used in the Apple Watch.
The Path to Success: Lens Technology’s IPO
On the 22nd anniversary of her first startup, Lens Technology made a historic move by trading on the ChiNext A-share market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in March 2015. The company’s stock price witnessed an astonishing 44% rise on the first day and continued to rise by 10% daily for the following 13 days. This spectacular performance made Lens Technology’s IPO one of the largest in China during the first quarter of 2015.
During Lens Technology’s IPO in 2015, Zhou’s net worth surged by 452%, making her China’s richest woman. Her contributions to the technology sector and her remarkable journey earned her a place among Forbes’ most powerful women. She has been consistently ranked on Forbes lists, including Power Women, Billionaires, China Rich List, and Richest in Tech. Fortune also recognized her as one of the Most Powerful Women in Asia-Pacific. Bloomberg ranked her as one of the world’s billionaires.
Zhou Qunfei: The Woman Behind the Innovation
Zhou Qunfei’s personal life reflects the balance she maintains between her remarkable business achievements and family. She married her former factory boss and had a daughter but later divorced. In 2008, she married Zheng Junlong, who served on the Lens Tech board. The couple has a seven-year-old son who resides with them in their Hong Kong family home.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Zhou enjoys mountain climbing and ping pong. Her inspiring journey has made her a role model for millions of migrant workers in China, and her secret to success, the desire to learn, continues to inspire many.
In summary, Zhou Qunfei’s life story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. She has revolutionized the touchscreen industry and continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. Her journey, as examined by Zatrun.com, exemplifies the power of determination and the impact of pioneering technology.
