Richard Liu
刘强东
Founder and Chairman of JD.com, one of China's leading e-commerce entrepreneurs
Biography
Richard Liu (Liu Qiangdong), born March 10, 1973, in Guangming Village, Lailong Town, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, is the founder and chairman of JD.com Group.
On June 18, 1998, Richard Liu founded JD.com in Beijing's Zhongguancun, initially focusing on magneto-optical products. In 2004, JD.com entered the e-commerce field and gradually developed into one of China's largest self-operated e-commerce companies.
Richard Liu is renowned for his keen business insight and relentless pursuit of user experience. He led JD.com to establish a nationwide logistics network, driving the development of China's e-commerce industry, particularly making significant contributions to the B2C self-operated e-commerce model.
Education Background
- 1992-1996: Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Renmin University of China
Major Achievements
- Founded and developed JD.com into China's leading e-commerce platform
- Built China's largest self-operated e-commerce logistics system
- Promoted standardization and regulation in China's e-commerce industry
- Successfully led JD.com's IPO on NASDAQ in 2014
Business Philosophy
Richard Liu has always adhered to a "customer-first" business philosophy, focusing on user experience and service quality. His concept of "authentic products" helped JD.com establish a differentiated advantage in an e-commerce environment plagued by counterfeit goods.
Timeline
1992
Enrolled at Renmin University of China
EducationMedium ImpactSeptember 1992
📍 Beijing
Started university studies in Sociology at Renmin University of China.
Sources:
1996
University Graduation
EducationMedium ImpactJuly 1996
📍 Beijing
Graduated from Renmin University of China with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.
1998
Founded JD.com
FoundingHigh ImpactJune 18, 1998
📍 Beijing Zhongguancun
Founded JD.com in Beijing's Zhongguancun, initially focusing on magneto-optical product sales.
Sources:
2003
SARS Pandemic Drives Online Transformation
Pivotal MomentHigh Impact2003
📍 Beijing
Affected by the SARS pandemic, offline store business was impacted, leading to attempts at online sales.
2004
JD Multimedia Website Launch
Product LaunchHigh ImpactJanuary 2004
📍 Beijing
JD Multimedia website officially launched, marking JD.com's formal entry into e-commerce.
2007
Received First Round of Funding
FundingHigh ImpactAugust 2007
📍 Beijing
Received $10 million Series A investment from Capital Today.
2008
Adopted 360buy.com Domain
Brand UpgradeMedium ImpactJune 2008
📍 Beijing
JD.com adopted the new domain 360buy.com, beginning brand upgrade.
2009
Full Transition to B2C Model
Strategic TransformationHigh Impact2009
📍 Beijing
JD.com fully transitioned to a B2C self-operated e-commerce model, expanding product categories.
2012
Rebranded to JD Mall
Brand UpgradeHigh ImpactMarch 2012
📍 Beijing
360buy officially rebranded to JD Mall, adopting the jd.com domain.
2014
JD.com Listed on NASDAQ
IPOHigh ImpactMay 22, 2014
📍 New York
JD.com Group officially listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange with ticker symbol JD.
2017
JD.com First Entry into Fortune 500
Major AchievementHigh ImpactJuly 2017
📍 Global
JD.com first entered the Fortune Global 500 list, ranking 261st.
2019
Stepped Down as JD Mall CEO
Management ChangeMedium ImpactApril 2019
📍 Beijing
Richard Liu stepped down as JD Mall CEO to focus on JD Group's long-term strategy.
Related Stories
The CD-Burner Insight: How Richard Liu Spotted a High-Margin Niche in a Crowded Market
While everyone fought over low-margin computer parts, 24-year-old Richard Liu discovered a goldmine hiding in plain sight. This is the story of how he turned a simple observation into a business breakthrough that would fund his empire.
He Could Have Been a Top Programmer. Why Did He Choose to Sell CD-Burners in a Dusty Market Instead?
In 1998, 25-year-old Richard Liu stood at life's crossroads. With his skilled programming abilities, he could have easily become one of the era's most sought-after programmers. Instead, he chose to use his meager 12,000 yuan to rent a small counter in Zhongguancun and sell CD-burners. Why did this seemingly 'downward' choice create today's JD.com empire?
From 12,000 Yuan to a $100 Billion Company: The Financial Gamble of JD's Founder
How Richard Liu turned a 12,000 yuan electronics shop into JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce companies, through decisive pivots during crisis moments.
Saved by SARS: How a Public Health Crisis Forced JD.com Online and Changed Everything
In 2003, a deadly virus brought Beijing to a standstill, pushing Richard Liu's thriving electronics business to the brink of collapse. This is the story of how that crisis became the catalyst for one of China's greatest e-commerce empires.
The 3-Cent Startup: How Richard Liu's First Venture Was Copying Documents by Hand
In 1992, 19-year-old Richard Liu arrived in Beijing with 500 yuan and 76 boiled eggs. When the eggs ran out, this farm boy found his first job: hand-copying documents for companies that couldn't afford copying machines, earning 3 cents per page. This seemingly insignificant experience planted the seeds for his future business empire.
The $30,000 Betrayal: How a Failed Restaurant and Crushing Debt Forged the Founder of JD.com
In 1994, 21-year-old Richard Liu opened a restaurant in Beijing, only to watch employees embezzle funds and leave him bankrupt. How this devastating failure became the foundation of his billion-dollar empire.
The Counter King: How Richard Liu Built a Tech Empire from a Tiny Booth
Discover how Richard Liu built JD.com from a tiny 4-square-meter booth into China's e-commerce giant by turning constraints into advantages and prioritizing authenticity over profits