How Junjie Zhang Brewed a Tea Empire and Hit Nasdaq by Age 30

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What does it take to turn something as ordinary as tea into a billion-dollar empire?

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, dreamer, or just someone looking for proof that bold ideas can change your life, Junjie Zhang’s story will leave you inspired.

At just 30 years old, he did what most people spend a lifetime chasing—he took a local tea brand, scaled it globally, and listed it on the Nasdaq stock exchange. But how did he do it? And what can we learn from his journey?

Let’s explore how vision, timing, and relentless hustle brewed the perfect success story.

Who Is Junjie Zhang?

Junjie Zhang is the founder and CEO of Chagee, a new-generation tea brand that blends traditional Chinese tea culture with modern aesthetics and digital-first delivery.

• ✅ Born in China, he had no tech background
• ✅ He didn’t inherit wealth or fame
• ✅ But he had a deep love for tea—and a clear vision for making it global

Zhang realized that the tea industry was ripe for disruption. Bubble tea chains were booming, but most lacked a premium feel. Starbucks had done it with coffee. Why not with tea?

The Big Idea: A Global Tea Brand with a Local Soul

At the core of Chagee’s success is a smart, simple idea:

“Why should traditional tea feel old and boring when it can be luxurious, digital, and cool?”

This idea shaped every part of the brand:

• Minimalist, elegant store designs
• Premium ingredients with local sourcing
• Fast, app-based ordering and delivery
• A focus on health, freshness, and clean branding

Zhang positioned Chagee as the “Starbucks of Tea” but healthier, faster, and rooted in Asian heritage.

From Local Chain to Nasdaq Debut: Key Milestones

Each year, Zhang took bold steps—testing, scaling, and refining the brand while keeping costs lean.

What Made Junjie Zhang’s Strategy So Effective?

Here are 5 key lessons from his journey:

1. Start with a niche but think globally

Zhang didn’t aim to be everything for everyone. He started by winning in Yunnan, building a strong base before expanding.

2. Marry tradition with innovation

He honored tea’s roots while offering sleek packaging, modern storefronts, and mobile-first convenience.

3. Control quality at every step

From sourcing to brewing to delivery—quality wasn’t compromised. This built trust.

4. Use tech without becoming “too techy”

Chagee isn’t a tech company. But Zhang used smart data and mobile UX to streamline operations and improve customer experience.

5. Grow fast, but stay profitable

Even during rapid growth, Chagee avoided cash burn. Stores were compact, costs low, and customer loyalty high.

Read More: From Fall to Rise: Ed Seykota, Early Losses to Legendary Trader

Why This Story Matters for You

Whether you’re launching a product, running a local business, or still figuring things out, Zhang’s story is a reminder:

🌱 Big dreams don’t need big money at the start. They need bold thinking, timing, and trust in the process.

You don’t need to invent something new—you just need to do something familiar, better.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Junjie Zhang didn’t just sell tea—he sold an experience
• He modernized something old, made it digital and beautiful, and kept customers coming back
• By age 30, he proved that tradition + tech + timing = a billion-dollar recipe

FAQ: What People Are Asking About Junjie Zhang and Chagee

1. Is Junjie Zhang the youngest Chinese billionaire?
No, but he is among the youngest self-made billionaires in China in the beverage sector.

2. What sets Chagee apart from other tea chains?
Chagee blends traditional Chinese tea with modern digital branding, high-end packaging, and seamless mobile delivery—targeting health-conscious urban youth.

3. How can I learn from Junjie Zhang’s business model?
Study how he combined niche focus with scalable systems, stayed lean during growth, and turned a cultural product into a global brand.

4. Is Chagee available outside China?
Yes. Chagee has expanded into countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and plans to enter Western markets soon.