BEIJING - Zhou Chaonan, an accomplished entrepreneur, has recently solidified her status as one of Asia's wealthiest women, ranking among the three Chinese female billionaires in the prestigious list of the world's 500 richest individuals. Her remarkable rise to affluence is largely attributed to the booming success of ByteDance, the parent company of the popular social media platform TikTok, and the burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).

At 64 years old, Zhou is the founder and chairwoman of Range Intelligent Computing Technology Group, a prominent data center operator that plays a critical role in fueling the AI ambitions of ByteDance. Her company’s innovative solutions provide essential computing power for AI applications, which in turn has significantly propelled her fortune. In 2024, Range Intelligent’s stock skyrocketed by an impressive 105%, catapulting Zhou’s net worth to approximately US$7.7 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Zhou's ascent is particularly noteworthy given the backdrop of recent challenges faced by Chinese billionaires, including a real estate crisis and governmental pressures aimed at redistributing wealth. Nonetheless, the tide appears to be turning, with many wealthy individuals witnessing a revival in their fortunes.

The favorable momentum for Range Intelligent has been energized by supportive governmental policies aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure. As China seeks to position itself as a global leader in AI, Premier Li Qiang's recent calls for innovation and infrastructure development in the sector have led to increased investment confidence. This has resulted in a positive surge across numerous Chinese computing stocks.

However, there are looming challenges on the horizon. The impending administration of US President-elect Donald Trump may impose stricter export controls on AI chips, potentially stifling access for companies like Range Intelligent that rely on critical components from firms like Nvidia and AMD. Data center analyst Matt Kimball warns that these constraints could adversely affect the operations of companies reliant on such technologies.

Strategically headquartered in Langfang, near Beijing, Range Intelligent counts several high-profile clients among its partners, including Meituan, JD.com, and Huawei Technologies. As of 2024, the company boasts 61 data centers equipped with over 320,000 server racks across key cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Its revenue growth has been staggering, reporting 3.6 billion yuan (approximately US$671 million) for the first half of the year—an astonishing 112% increase compared to the previous year.

Zhou's impressive track record is supported by an inspiring personal narrative. Her given name translates to “surpassing males,” reflecting the deep-rooted belief in women's empowerment, articulated by the famous quote from former Chinese leader Mao Zedong: “Women can hold up half the sky.”

Zhou's career began shortly after the Cultural Revolution when she became one of the first female graduates in China. Her journey included various leadership roles before she established her first company, Tiantong Communication Network, in 2000. Subsequently, her focus shifted to data centers in 2009, paving the way for the establishment of Range Intelligent.

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape where AI capabilities are in high demand, companies are under increased pressure to provide cost-effective solutions. ByteDance has recently launched its AI bot, Doubao, with prices reported to be 99% lower than current industry rates, sparking intense competition with giants like Alibaba and Baidu.

Amidst a global expectation that demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, the need for firms like Range Intelligent remains crucial. McKinsey's research highlights a significant supply deficit in the industry, further elevating the value of third-party data center providers.

In the backdrop of speculation regarding TikTok's potential divestment in the US, analysts like Kimball maintain that the future of Range Intelligent will remain secure due to the continuing endorsement of AI infrastructure by the Chinese government. As Zhou Chaonan continues to blaze trails in the tech industry, her story is a compelling testament to resilience and the transformative potential of technology in today’s world.