Zhu Linan founded Legend Capital in 2001 with a $35m fund, and is now the chief executive of China-based computer maker Legend’s corporate venturing group, which was renamed Junlian in February last year.
Junlian’s team of 50 now manages five US dollarfunds and two RMB funds with aggregate assets under management of more than RMB13bn ($2bn). It has invested in more than 150 companies, of which 20 are already listed, including Saturday Shoes and Peak Sports where Zhu remains a board member.
He has also led investments in Joyo.com, Shanghai Huahong, Zhaopin.com, SolarFun – now known as Hanwha SolarOne – Phylion Batteries and Yuto Printing.
Zhu started his career with Legend in 1989, when he joined Shenzhen Legend Computer and rose to general manager of the company. In 1993, he left Legend to start a venture engaged in IT system integration and software development business.
After four years, he rejoined Legend Group and served in succession as general manager of business planning, vice-president and senior vice-president of the group. As a member of Legend’s executive committee, he was responsible for the business development of Lenovo Group, and the management of headquarters and regional platforms. Zhu holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University.