Summary：Heartfelt Farewell as Founder Zhou Hongyi Steps Down, Li Xiaokai Leads PICO In a move that has ripp

Heartfelt Farewell as Founder Zhou Hongyi Steps Down, Li Xiaokai Leads PICO

In a move that has rippled through the extended‑reality community, PICO founder Zhou Hongyi announced his departure from day‑to‑day operations, handing the reins to longtime executive Li Xiaokai. The transition, disclosed in an internal memo on Monday, marks the end of an era for the Chinese VR pioneer that has helped shape the domestic metaverse landscape since its inception in 2015. While Zhou will remain a strategic advisor, Li’s promotion signals a renewed focus on scaling PICO’s hardware ecosystem and expanding its content partnerships worldwide.

**Key Developments**
Zhou’s decision to step back comes after a period of intense competition from global players such as Meta and Sony, as well as tightening regulatory scrutiny over data privacy in immersive technologies. In his farewell note, Zhou praised the team’s resilience, citing milestones like the launch of the PICO 4 Pro and the rollout of the PICO Store, which together have captured roughly 18 % of China’s VR headset market. Li Xiaokai, who previously oversaw PICO’s software and developer relations, will now assume the title of Chief Business Officer. His immediate agenda includes deepening ties with indie studios, accelerating 5G‑enabled cloud rendering, and exploring enterprise‑grade solutions for training and remote collaboration.

**Industry Analysis**
Analysts note that Zhou’s exit reflects a broader trend among founder‑led tech firms seeking professional management to navigate maturation phases. The VR sector, while still nascent, is projected to exceed $30 billion globally by 2027, driven by advances in mixed‑reality optics and enterprise adoption. PICO’s strength lies in its vertically integrated approach—combining headset design, operating