Xiaomi is one of the hottest smartphone companies in the world today. Just 5 years old, it has rapidly grown to become the most valuable tech startup on earth, worth around $46 billion (£30.9 billion), which is more than Uber, Snapchat, or SpaceX.
Xiaomi, founded by CEO Lei Ju, is often referred to as the "Apple of China," not least because of the famed devotion of its fans. The company holds worldwide holds flash sales for its customers and throws them parties in expensive nightclubs — and they love the company for it.
But Xiaomi is like Apple another way. Many of its products have an awfully similar look to the Cupertino company's own models, prompting Apple design chief Jony Ive to accuse the Chinese company of copying its designs.
"I don't see it as flattery," Ive told an audience last year. "I see it as theft. I have to be honest. The last thing I think is 'Oh, that is flattering...' I think it's theft and it's lazy. I don't think it's OK at all."
But is Ive's accusation fair?
Business is booming for Xiaomi. It's the biggest smartphone company in China, and the third-largest in the world.Founder and CEO Lei Jun is largely responsible for the smartphone maker's meteoric rise. He's a charismatic figure, who introduces new products in carefully choreographed keynotes, often wearing his signature outfit — blue jeans and a black top.
Look familiar?
It's no accident: Lei Jun has consciously modelled himself after late Apple CEO Steve Jobs after reading about him at college, according to Bloomberg.
Source: Bloomberg
The founder has even co-opted the Apple co-founder's famous "one more thing..." line for the end of his presentations.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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