David Xueling Li is a Chinese businessman and the co-founder, Director, and former CEO of JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: YY), a global technology platform specializing in live streaming, short-form video, and social media. His background is highly intellectual, rooted in the humanities: he received a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Renmin University of China in 1997.

Li's career is defined by his profound understanding of digital content and community (a philosophical interest) and its monetization. Before founding JOYY, he was a successful entrepreneur, founding CFP.cn in 2000 (a copyright trading platform for journalists and photographers), and later served as Chief Editor of Netease.com Inc. (2003–2005). This unique blend of media, philosophy, and technology positioned him to pioneer the social media and live streaming revolution in China.

David Xueling Li co-founded JOYY Inc. in 2005 (originally operating major platforms like YY.com). His strategic vision was audacious: create a platform for user-generated, synchronous content—primarily live streaming and communication—that could be monetized effectively. Under his leadership as CEO (until 2024), JOYY Inc. scaled rapidly, enhancing its international presence and market reach through platforms like Bigo Live and Likee.

His company's success is built on its mastery of real-time communication technology and virtual gifting, generating immense revenue from its massive user base. Li led the company's successful IPO on the NASDAQ in 2012, securing his multi-billion dollar fortune. After stepping down as CEO in 2024, he continues to serve as a Co-founder and Director, guiding the strategic development and global expansion of the live streaming empire.

David Xueling Li's social impact is massive and structural, stemming from JOYY's role in pioneering the live streaming and social media industry in China and globally. The platform creates millions of jobs and income opportunities for content creators through its virtual gifting and live commerce models.

His personal philanthropy often supports educational and academic institutions, reflecting his background as a Philosophy graduate of Renmin University. His structural contribution is the successful globalization of Chinese-developed social media technology.

David Xueling Li maintains the professional, intellectual style of a Chinese technology founder. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored business suits. His aesthetic is one of serious authority, befitting a multi-billion dollar executive in the social media sector.

Residing in China, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his dominance in the global live streaming market. His life is defined by his commitment to leveraging technology to create massive, real-time social platforms.