Tencent operates QQ and WeChat and is headquartered in Shenzhen.
Tencent was founded in 1998 by Ma Huateng, also known as Pony Ma, and several co-founders. Its first major product was OICQ, an instant-messaging service later renamed QQ. The company expanded into online games, digital payments, cloud computing, music, video, and social networking.
WeChat, known in China as Weixin, launched in 2011 and became one of Tencent's most important products. It combines messaging with social feeds, mobile payments, mini-programs, and other services. Tencent's global gaming investments have also included stakes or ownership interests in major game businesses.
Tencent is often confused with Alibaba because both are huge Chinese technology groups, but Alibaba is primarily associated with e-commerce and cloud services. Tencent's headquarters are in Shenzhen, Guangdong, where the company was established.