Leon Lin Li is one of the co-founders of HTX. Prior to founding HTX Group in 2013, Leon held the role of a computer engineer at Oracle. ^[1][2]

Education & Early Life

Leon Li earned a Master’s degree in Control Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2007. As an early advocate for Bitcoin, he aimed to expand awareness and adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. ^[4]

Career

Leon Li is a Chinese entrepreneur who founded HTX Group (former Huobi), a cryptocurrency exchange. After earning a Master's degree in Control Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2007, he worked as a computer engineer at Oracle. In 2009, Li initiated his entrepreneurial pursuits by establishing several internet ventures, including Renrenzhe, a lifestyle search platform in China.

In 2013, Li founded HTX.com, which has expanded its operations to over 130 countries. As CEO, he has participated in international discussions on blockchain, highlighting its potential to influence global business and value exchange. ^[12][5]

HTX

In 2013, Leon Li established HTX, previously known as Huobi, a cryptocurrency trading platform based in China that expanded its operations to over 130 countries.

In October 2022, Li sold his entire stake in the platform to a buyout firm managed by About Capital Management (HK). Following this transaction, Li retired from the exchange's operations and no longer has any involvement in HTX's business activities, as confirmed by a company spokesperson. ^{[3] [6]}

Achievements

Leon Li has received recognition for his contributions to the blockchain sector. His notable achievements include the 2018 China Fintech Award for Outstanding Contribution and the 2018 China Internet Finance Association Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur.^[3]

Controversies

Leon Li encountered challenges following FTX's collapse in November 2022, which resulted in $18.1 million in frozen deposits for his company, Sinohope. These funds were later recovered at 108% through a sale to Ceratosaurus Investors LLC. Despite the recovery, Sinohope reported substantial losses, prompting Li to provide a $14 million personal loan to address customer liabilities.

In December 2023, Li’s company, X-Spot Global, obtained an injunction requiring Huobi Global to cease using the "Huobi" trademark in Hong Kong. The trademark had been retained by X-Spot following the 2022 sale of Huobi. As chairman of New Huo Technology, Li sought to address losses stemming from FTX’s collapse, including $13.2 million in client assets, through his personal loan agreement. ^{[7] [8] [9] [10] [13]}