Frequently Asked Questions About RedNote Among TikTok Refugees

Charlwin Mao (Mao Wenchao), founder and CEO of RedNote (Xiaohongshu), is a visionary entrepreneur with a background in mechatronics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. After graduating in 2007, he began his career at Bain & Company and later transitioned to private equity. In 2011, Mao pursued an MBA at Stanford, where he developed a passion for cross-border e-commerce during a Tencent-funded startup camp.

Returning to Shanghai in 2013, he co-founded RedNote with Qu Fang, securing early funding from investors like Xu Xiaoping of ZhenFund. Under his leadership, the platform grew rapidly, forming partnerships with global brands like Versace and Chanel. Mao has been recognized as one of China’s top young entrepreneurs, earning spots on influential lists like Forbes China and the Hurun U40 China Entrepreneurs Pioneers in 2024. His vision and focus on community-driven growth continue to shape RedNote’s success.

RedNote (Chinese: 小红书 / Xiaohongshu) is a lifestyle platform for young people, founded by Charlwin Mao (CEO, Chinese name: Mao Wenchao) and Qu Fang in Shanghai, China, in 2013. Initially launched as "Hong Kong Shopping Guide," the app was designed to target Chinese tourists, providing them with shopping recommendations and tips. Over time, it evolved into a broader platform with the mission of "Inspire Lives: Share and Discover the Wonders of the World." RedNote now allows users to record moments of their lives and share lifestyles through short videos, images, and text, fostering interactions based on shared interests.