When it comes to global tech leaders making waves in today’s digital age, Shou Zi Chew stands out. As the CEO of TikTok, he has become the public face of one of the most downloaded and controversial apps in the world. But how much is this influential figure actually worth? In this article, we explore Shou Zi Chew’s net worth, his career journey, and what contributes to his growing fortune.
Who Is Shou Zi Chew?
Shou Zi Chew is a highly accomplished Singaporean businessman who rose to international prominence as the CEO of TikTok. Born on January 1, 1983, he began his career in finance and gradually transitioned into the tech world, leading some of the most prominent companies in the industry.
Educational Background:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Economics: University College London (UCL)
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MBA – Harvard Business School
Chew also completed national service in Singapore’s armed forces before moving on to build a career that would eventually land him at the helm of a global social media giant.
Career Timeline: From Banking to TikTok
Goldman Sachs
Chew started his professional journey at Goldman Sachs in London, working in investment banking. This early experience helped him build a strong foundation in global finance.
DST Global
Later, he joined DST Global, a leading venture capital firm known for investing in major companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Alibaba. Interestingly, he was part of the team that led DST’s investment into ByteDance—the parent company of TikTok—in 2013.
Xiaomi Corporation
Chew’s next move took him to Xiaomi, one of China’s largest tech companies. He served as Chief Financial Officer and later became President of International Business, playing a key role in expanding Xiaomi’s footprint across global markets.
ByteDance & TikTok
In 2021, Chew was appointed CEO of TikTok, taking over leadership during a critical time of regulatory scrutiny, especially from the United States and Europe. He became the company’s global spokesperson, appearing in front of government officials and media outlets to defend TikTok’s policies and data practices.
What Is Shou Zi Chew’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Shou Zi Chew’s estimated net worth ranges between $200 million and $300 million.
Income Sources
| Source | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Salary as TikTok CEO | $20M–$25M annually |
| Equity in ByteDance | Over $100 million |
| Tech investments (DST era) | $50M+ |
| Personal assets (property, etc.) | $30M–$50M |
| Estimated Total | $200M–$300M |
Chew’s wealth mainly stems from executive compensation, stock holdings in ByteDance, and smart investments made early in his career.
How He Makes His Money
Executive Compensation
As TikTok’s CEO, Chew earns a significant salary with performance-based bonuses and incentives tied to company success.
ByteDance Stock Options
His equity in ByteDance, which remains privately held but is valued at hundreds of billions, contributes heavily to his net worth.
Early Investments in Tech
His work at DST Global gave him early access to investment opportunities in major tech startups, many of which have grown substantially.
Business Ventures & Assets
While not much is publicly known, Chew is believed to own real estate and other private assets, possibly spread across Singapore, China, and the U.S.
How He Compares to Other Tech CEOs
Although Chew’s fortune is substantial, he is still behind several U.S.-based tech leaders in terms of total net worth. However, he is among the top tech executives in Asia.
| CEO | Company | Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Elon Musk | Tesla/X | $240B+ |
| Mark Zuckerberg | Meta | $120B+ |
| Sundar Pichai | Alphabet (Google) | $1.3B+ |
| Shou Zi Chew | TikTok (ByteDance) | $200M–$300M |
| Satya Nadella | Microsoft | $800M+ |
Despite not being a billionaire (yet), Chew’s influence in the tech world is undeniable, especially given TikTok’s global dominance.
Personal Life and Privacy
Shou Zi Chew is married to Vivian Kao, a business executive and fellow Harvard alum. The couple is known to be very private and reportedly has two children. They live a low-key life, primarily based in Singapore, though his work often takes him abroad.
He is known for his calm, composed demeanor, especially during high-pressure public appearances such as U.S. congressional hearings. Chew rarely seeks the spotlight outside of his professional role.
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Will His Net Worth Grow Further?
Yes, quite likely.
Key Factors for Future Growth:
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ByteDance IPO: If the company goes public, Chew’s stock options could multiply in value.
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Expansion of TikTok: Continued global growth and monetization efforts could boost his bonuses and long-term incentives.
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Board Memberships & Partnerships: High-profile CEOs often join boards or invest in new startups, which could increase their wealth over time.
FAQs
What is Shou Zi Chew’s net worth in 2025?
His estimated net worth is between $200 million and $300 million.
Is Shou Zi Chew a billionaire?
Not currently, but he may become one if ByteDance goes public or his equity significantly increases in value.
How did he make his money?
Through executive roles in major companies like Xiaomi and TikTok, stock options, and early investments in tech.
Does he own TikTok?
No, TikTok is owned by ByteDance. Chew is the CEO but holds equity in the parent company.
Where does Shou Zi Chew live?
He resides in Singapore, though he frequently travels for work.
Final Thoughts
Shou Zi Chew’s net worth is a reflection of his smart career choices, leadership capabilities, and timely investments in the tech world. While not yet in the billionaire’s club, his position at the top of one of the most influential social media companies in the world makes his financial future incredibly promising. As TikTok continues to evolve and ByteDance edges closer to a potential IPO, Chew’s wealth—and influence—will almost certainly rise.