Xiaomi, the smartphone supplier led by billionaire Chinese entrepreneur Lei Jun, has become a hot name globally in connection with its success against heavyweight rivals Apple and Samsung in China and, increasingly, elsewhere in Asia.
Besides tech, Lei-backed investment firm Shunwei Capital holds stakes in at least three property-related businesses: You+ International Youth Community, which rents to relatively young customers and entrepreneurs, IWJW, a real estate information site, and Yu Jian Gongyu, a property management company, according to Shunwei's own website.
Shunwei’s investment ties to Lei and hence Xiaomi have recently led to speculation Lei may eventually look to make a bigger push in real estate. (See April cover of “Real Estate” magazine below.)
Though Lei has said he wouldn’t do that, other Internet tycoons have changed their strategy, Real Estate noted, suggesting it’s too early to say.
And indeed, Shunwei already seems to have three toes in the water.
--With Elaine Mao
--Follow me on Twitter @rflannerychina
