Li Lu, Himalaya Capital’s “Chinese Warren Buffett”
By James Moreau | 12 May, 2025

Dubbed the "Chinese Warren Buffett," Li Lu built a $15 billion investment firm with remarkable long-term bets, most notably his early and massively profitable investment in BYD.

In the investment world Li Lu is respected for his track record in long-term value investing.   At the relatively tender age of 59 he has earned the nickname “Chinese Warren Buffett.”

Lu founded Himalaya Capital in 1997 and built it up to $15 Billion worth of assets under management.  The company’s most important investment was in the then struggling Chinese maker of bicycles and batteries called BYD.  Lu had the foresight — or fantastic stroke of luck — to take a large stake at BYD’s 2002 IPO when shares were offered at less than HK$3, or about $0.37. 

In July 2021 when BYD had established itself already as China’s leading maker of batteries for electric vehicles and a fledgling EV-maker, Himalaya Capital cashed in over $300 Million worth of BYD shares, with BYD share at HK $227.62 (about $28) — a return of nearly 76-fold.  Even better, Lu had the good sense to retain a 6% stake in the company.  Today BYD is the world’s leading maker of EVs and batteries, having recently surpassed Tesla.  Its stock is trading at over $150, putting a $9 billion valuation on Himalaya’s stake.

Lu’s successful picks let him grow an $88 million investment by late Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Charlie Munger to over $400 million. 

Today Lu’s estimated net worth is well over $5.6 Billion, perhaps as much as $10 billion.

Born in China, Lu enrolled in Columbia University’s American Language Program to learn English.  In 1996 he simultaneously earned an economics BA, a JD, and an MBA from Columbia.

Li Lu is actively involved in philanthropy and serves on the boards of several prominent institutions, including as a trustee of Caltech and Columbia.