Tencent owns WeChat and trades in Hong Kong under the ticker 700.
Tencent was founded in Shenzhen in 1998 by Pony Ma, Zhang Zhidong, Xu Cheney, Chen Yidan, and Zeng Liqing. Its early growth came from QQ, an instant-messaging service, while WeChat later became a major mobile platform for messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social features.
Tencent also operates major online-gaming businesses, provides cloud and enterprise services, and holds investments in numerous technology and entertainment companies. Its Hong Kong-listed shares are identified by stock code 700, making the number a useful distinguishing fact.
Tencent’s market capitalization can be affected by gaming launches, advertising, payment activity, regulation, and the value of its investment portfolio. WeChat is sometimes described as merely a messaging app, but its integrated payments and services make it broader than that. Tencent should also not be confused with Alibaba, another major Chinese technology company with different businesses and a different listing history.