The History of Lenovo

The History of Lenovo: From a Small Chinese Company to a Global Leader

Lenovo is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Starting as a small team in China, the company has grown into a global brand, competing with giants like Apple, Dell, and HP. Its history is a testament to ambition, innovation, and smart strategic decisions. Let’s trace Lenovo’s journey from its modest beginnings to technological leadership.

Founding: 1984

Lenovo’s story began in 1984 in Beijing, China, when 11 engineers. Led by Liu Chuanzhi, founded a company called New Technology Developer Inc. With an initial capital of just 200,000 yuan (approximately $25,000 USD), provided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The firm initially focused on importing foreign technology—such as televisions and computers—and testing and adapting it for the Chinese market.

In 1988, the company rebranded as Legend, reflecting its ambition to become a legendary player in the tech industry. This was a challenging period: China was only beginning to embrace a market economy, and competition from foreign brands was fierce.

First Steps in Manufacturing: 1990s

In 1990, Legend released its first proprietary product—a computer board that enabled the input of Chinese characters. This invention was a breakthrough in the local market, as most technology at the time lacked proper support for the Chinese language. In 1994, Legend introduced its first personal computer, solidifying its position in China.

By the late 1990s, Legend had become the leader in China’s PC market, surpassing foreign competitors. In 2001, Liu Chuanzhi handed over leadership to Yang Yuanqing, who later played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion.

Going Global: Lenovo and the IBM PC Acquisition

In 2003, Legend decided to expand beyond China and rebranded as Lenovo—a blend of “Le” (from Legend) and “novo” (Latin for “new”). This rebranding symbolized renewal and a drive for international recognition.

The most defining moment in the company’s history came in 2005, when Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer division for $1.75 billion. This deal granted Lenovo the rights to the ThinkPad brand—a legendary line of laptops renowned for reliability. The acquisition not only opened doors to Western markets but also brought advanced technology, engineering expertise, and an established customer base.

Growth and Diversification: 2010s

Following the IBM deal, Lenovo began aggressively expanding its product lineup. In 2008, it launched the IdeaPad laptops for consumers, competing with ThinkPad in a lower price segment. The company also invested in design and innovation, such as the Yoga series with flexible screens, which gained popularity among creative professionals.

In 2014, Lenovo made another significant acquisition, purchasing Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.91 billion. This move gave the company a foothold in the smartphone market and the Moto brand, which quickly became competitive in the mid-range segment.

Present Day: 2025

As of February 2025, Lenovo is a leader in the global PC market, holding the top spot in sales volume (according to IDC data). The company is also actively developing servers, cloud solutions, and smart home devices. Its product range spans everything from budget laptops to high-performance ThinkStation workstations.

Lenovo is investing in artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled materials in manufacturing. However, it faces competition from Apple and Samsung in the mobile device market. As well as pressure from geopolitical tensions between China and the West.

Key Achievements

• 1984: Founding of the company as New Technology Developer Inc.
• 1994: Release of the first PC under the Legend brand.
• 2005: Acquisition of IBM PC and the start of the Lenovo ThinkPad era.
• 2014: Purchase of Motorola Mobility and entry into the smartphone market.
• 2020s: Leadership in the PC market and expansion into new technologies.

Conclusion

The History of Lenovo is a shining example of how persistence and strategic vision can transform a local player into a global leader. From adapting computers for the Chinese market to building a worldwide product ecosystem. Lenovo has proven that innovation and bold decisions are the keys to success. Today, in 2025, the company not only maintains its position but also looks to the future, where technology continues to reshape the world.