Tencent is the Chinese technology company that owns WeChat and became one of Asia’s largest companies by market capitalization.
Tencent launched WeChat in 2011 under the Chinese name Weixin. The app grew from messaging into a broad platform offering payments, social features, mini-programs, and business services. Tencent also operates QQ, develops video games, and provides cloud and digital-content services.
The company was founded in Shenzhen in 1998 by Ma Huateng and several co-founders. Its gaming business became a major source of revenue, while WeChat created a large ecosystem that links communication, commerce, and services.
Tencent’s market capitalization has fluctuated with technology stocks, Chinese regulation, and investor sentiment, but it has remained a major global public company. WeChat is sometimes incorrectly treated as an independent company; it is a product and platform operated by Tencent.