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From Lawyer to Gaming Mogul: The Inspiring Journey of Tan Min

2025-04-24

Author: Jia

In an era where gaming reigns supreme, few stories are as captivating as that of Tan Min, the founder of Razer, who left behind a promising career in law to pursue his true passion.

Razer's Rise: From Mice to a Gaming Empire

Razer, renowned for its high-performance gaming peripherals, has evolved into the world’s largest ecosystem dedicated to gamers. From gaming mice to laptops, the brand has expanded its influence, culminating in a successful IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2017. This milestone earned Tan the title of Singapore’s youngest self-made billionaire at just 40.

A Family Legacy of Success

Tan’s journey began in a family that epitomized traditional success. With siblings who pursued careers in medicine and law, the pressure was on for Tan to follow suit. After graduating from the National University of Singapore, he practiced law at the Supreme Court. However, his heart belonged to gaming.

A Passion for Gaming

Even while cementing his legal career, Tan found solace in gaming after hours. He recalls his childhood fascination with video games and his determination to enhance his gaming experience. "I’ve always been a gamer first and a lawyer second," Tan stated in a 2011 interview, underlining his innate desire to create something extraordinary.

The Birth of Razer

In 2005, together with Robert Krakoff—an online gaming friend—Tan co-founded Razer, driven by a vision to better the gaming experience. "Is there a possibility for us to build a better mouse?" Tan recalled questioning. Their mantra, "For gamers, by gamers," captures the essence of their mission.

Gaming: A Global Phenomenon

Today, gaming is a $196 billion industry, far surpassing both streaming and box office revenues. Tan sees it as a universal language that bridges cultures. With the potential market projected to reach $257 billion by 2028, Razer's future looks bright.

A Vision for Innovation

Tan’s commitment to innovation is unwavering. It led him to take Razer private in 2022, citing the company's undervaluation. Under his leadership, Razer has flourished, recording profits of $46 million—eight times higher than the previous year.

Family and Competition: The Drive Behind Tan's Success

Tan attributes much of his success to his supportive parents, who instilled in him a relentless drive to excel. Yet, he remains humble, often crediting his siblings for their accomplishments. His competitive spirit, honed through gaming, pushes him to continuously innovate and expand Razer’s horizon.

Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier

Tan emphasizes that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. "We’re always looking forward to what’s next," he says, reflecting his commitment to remaining at the forefront of the gaming industry. With big dreams and relentless ambition, Tan Min's story serves as an inspiring reminder that following one’s passion can lead to incredible success.