Garena was the first major startup founded by Forrest Li in 2009. Initially launched as a digital entertainment platform, Garena quickly established itself as the leading online gaming and social platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It became known for introducing and publishing some of the most popular games in the region, including League of Legends and Arena of Valor.
Garena's success was further amplified with the creation of Free Fire, a battle royale game developed by Garena's in-house team. Free Fire became a global sensation, topping download charts and attracting millions of active users worldwide. The success of Garena laid the foundation for the growth of Sea Group, Forrest Li’s parent company.
Building on the success of Garena, Forrest Li launched Shopee in 2015, a mobile-centric e-commerce platform tailored for the rapidly growing online shopping market in Southeast Asia. Shopee was designed to cater to the unique needs of consumers in the region, offering a user-friendly interface, integrated logistics, and a wide variety of products ranging from electronics to fashion.
Shopee’s growth was meteoric, quickly becoming the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, competing with giants like Alibaba’s Lazada. Forrest Li’s strategic focus on mobile-first and localized services enabled Shopee to outpace its competitors and expand its reach beyond Southeast Asia to markets like Taiwan and Brazil.
Recognizing the growing need for financial inclusion in Southeast Asia, Forrest Li expanded his entrepreneurial vision by launching SeaMoney, the financial services arm of Sea Group, in 2014. SeaMoney offers a range of digital financial services, including mobile wallets, payment processing, and micro-lending.
SeaMoney's flagship product, ShopeePay, has become one of the most widely used digital payment solutions in the region. By providing access to financial services to millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals, SeaMoney plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and reducing financial disparities in emerging markets.
Beyond these major startups, Forrest Li has been involved in several other ventures and initiatives under the Sea Group umbrella. His approach to business emphasizes constant innovation and adaptability, ensuring that the companies he leads are always at the forefront of technological advancements and market trends.
Under his leadership, Sea Group continues to explore new opportunities in areas such as fintech, digital entertainment, and e-commerce, with a focus on creating value for consumers and contributing to the digital economy of Southeast Asia.