Tencent operates the WeChat messaging and social-media platform.
Tencent launched WeChat in 2011. Known as Weixin in mainland China, the service combines messaging, voice and video calls, social feeds, payments, mini programs, and other services in one mobile ecosystem.
Tencent was founded in Shenzhen in 1998 by Ma Huateng and several partners. It first became widely known for QQ, an instant-messaging service, before expanding into online games, digital content, fintech, cloud services, and advertising.
Tencent has frequently ranked among Asia’s most valuable public companies by market capitalization. It is often confused with Alibaba because both are major Chinese technology groups, but their flagship platforms differ: Tencent operates WeChat, while Alibaba is associated with e-commerce marketplaces such as Taobao and Tmall. Tencent also owns major stakes in and operates businesses connected with the global video-game industry.