In 999, Tencent independently developed Tencent Instant Messenger (TIM), also known as Tencent QQ, which became the largest instant communication service network after three years of development.

Tencent released a copied version of ICQ named OICQ in 1996, which later rebranded as QQ and gained significant user base.

Tencent was founded in November 1998 and developed its own instant messaging software, QQ, in February 1999, which was the cornerstone of all.

Tencent was founded in November 1998, marking the beginning of its journey to become one of the most influential internet companies in the world.

In February 1999, Tencent developed its own instant messaging software, QQ, which played a crucial role in the company's subsequent success.

By 2000, OICQ had captured over 90% of the Chinese online instant messaging market, leading Tencent to officially change its name to QQ2000 in its version 0325. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Chinese Internet companies and their impact on the digital communication landscape.

In December 2000, Ma changed the name of the software to QQ, which used to stand for the word 'cute'. This renaming followed the legal issues with AOL and marked a significant rebranding for the company.

In January 2001, David Wallerstein, Vice President of MIH Group China, expressed the intention to acquire Tencent. MIH, a prominent media investment group, proposed the acquisition to align with its plans for an IPO in China. Despite the offer, Tencent's founders politely declined the acquisition but maintained a cordial relationship with MIH for further discussions.

In 2001, the company had accumulated over $32 million in investment.

In June 2001, MIH acquired a 46.5% stake in Tencent for $32 million, valuing the company at $60 million, which was 11 times its valuation a year earlier. This acquisition also granted control to Ma's team, marking a significant turning point for Tencent.

In 2002, Tencent launched QQ Show, an avatar customization feature within QQ. This feature allowed users to personalize their avatars and was monetized through the sale of virtual items, leading to significant revenue generation for Tencent.

In 2003, Tencent launched QQ membership and QQ Show, offering users the ability to level up their accounts faster and create virtual avatars with clothes, accessories, and backgrounds. QQ Show became Tencent's most profitable business and set the stage for the company's success in the online gaming industry.

In 2003, Tencent released its own portal (QQ.com) and entered the online games market, marking a strategic move to diversify its business portfolio and tap into new revenue streams.

Since 2004, the gaming business has been one of the most important components of Tencent’s revenue, indicating its significant impact on the company's financial performance.

By 2004, Tencent became the largest Chinese instant messaging service and went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after raising $200 million in its IPO. This move significantly boosted Ma's wealth and Tencent's market presence.

In 2005, Tencent launched Qzone, a social networking/blogging service integrated within QQ, which became one of the largest social networking services in China.

At Ma's direction, Tencent launched the C2C platform Paipai.com in 2005, directly competing with e-commerce giant Alibaba. This marked Tencent's entry into the competitive e-commerce sector.

In 2007, Tencent acted as the agent for Dungeon & Fighter developed by Neople of South Korea, marking a milestone success for Tencent in the game business and strengthening its determination to continue in this industry.

By 2008 Tencent had rapidly increased its offerings by licensing games and became the largest online game platform in China.

On 10 April 2010, Tencent launched Tencent Weibo, a microblogging service.

Tencent officially announced a lawsuit against 360 for unfair competition, demanding Qihoo and its affiliates to cease infringement, issue a public apology, and pay compensation.

Tencent, along with Baidu, Kingsoft, and other Chinese Internet companies, issued a joint statement to resist 360's improper commercial competition.

Tencent declared that it would cease running QQ software on computers with 360 software and encouraged the uninstallation of 360 software before logging into QQ.

As of 31 December 2010, there were 647.6 million active Tencent QQ IM user accounts, making Tencent QQ the world's largest online community at the time.

In January 2011, Tencent launched WeChat, an app for text messaging and group chat. WeChat has since become the largest instant messaging platform in the world, with a significant user base in the Asia-Pacific region.

On 21 January 2011, Tencent launched Weixin (微信), a social media app, which has become a significant part of the company's portfolio.

On 18 February 2011, Tencent acquired a majority of equity interest (92.78%) in Riot Games, developer of League of Legends, for about US$230 million.

Tencent acquired a minority stake in Epic Games, developer of franchises like Fortnite, Unreal, Gears of War and Infinity Blade, in June 2012.

On 17 September 2013, it was announced that Tencent had invested $448 million for a minority share in Chinese search engine Sogou.com, the subsidiary of Sohu, Inc.

On 15 January 2014, Tencent said it would invest HKD 1.5 billion (US$193.45 million) in logistics and warehouse firm China South City Holdings Ltd to develop its e-commerce and logistics business.

On 27 February 2014, Tencent purchased a 20-per cent stake in restaurant ratings and group-buying website Dianping for $400 million.

On 10 March 2014, Tencent bought a 15 per cent stake in Chinese e-commerce website JD.com Inc.

On 27 March 2014, it was announced that Tencent had agreed to pay about $500 million for a 28 per cent stake in South Korea's CJ Games.

On 22 May 2014, JD.com got listed on NASDAQ and Tencent expanded its stake in the company to 17.43% on a fully diluted basis by investing an additional US$1,325 million.

On 27 June 2014, Tencent announced that it had agreed to buy a 19.9 per cent stake in Chinese e-commerce website 58.com (WUBA) Inc. for $736 million.

On 16 October 2014, via its wholly held subsidiary Hongze Lake Investment Ltd, Tencent announced that it had bought a 7% stake in lottery technology firm China LotSynergy Holdings Ltd for HKD 445.5 million (US$57.4 million).

On 23 October 2014, Tencent pitched in $145 million for a 10 per cent stake in Koudai Gouwu, a Chinese mobile shopping portal.

On 9 December 2014, Chinese taxi-hailing app Didi Dache announced that it had raised more than $700 million in a funding round led by Tencent and Singaporean state investment firm Temasek Holdings.

On 30 January 2015, Tencent signed a US$700 million deal with the National Basketball Association to stream American basketball games in China.

On 17 April 2015, Tencent announced it bought an additional $400 million worth of shares, rising its stake in the company to about 25%.

In December 2015, Ma announced the establishment of an 'internet hospital' in Wuzhen by Tencent, offering long-distance diagnoses and medicine delivery. This marked Tencent's foray into the healthcare sector.

On 16 December 2015, Riot Games sold its remaining equity to Tencent.

On 21 June 2016, Tencent announced a deal to acquire 84.3% of Supercell, developer of Clash of Clans, marking a major acquisition for the company.

On 28 March 2017, Tencent announced the purchase of a 5% stake in Tesla for US$1.78 billion.

On 15 August 2018, Tencent reported a profit decline in the second quarter of 2018, ending a growth streak of more than a decade.

Tencent was founded by Ma Huateng (Pony Ma) with 4 of his friends in the city of Shenzhen during the late nineties.

Tencent collaborated with the Guangdong Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party and the People's Daily to develop 'patriotic games', as reported in August 2019.

Tencent announced it would stop broadcasting Houston Rockets NBA games in China due to a tweet made by the general manager of the Rockets that was supportive of protestors in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests.

The Chinese government ordered Tencent to improve the firm's user data rules for its apps in December 2019.

As of February 17, 2020, Tencent's market cap is $510.358 billion. This demonstrates the significant financial standing and market value of Tencent as a company.

Tencent launched a co-innovation lab with Huawei to develop a cloud-based game platform by tapping into Huawei's Kunpeng processor's power to build Tencent's GameMatrix cloud game platform. The lab also explores the possibilities of artificial intelligence and augmented reality elements in games.

Tencent announced its plan to invest 500 billion yuan (US$70 billion) over the next five years in new digital infrastructure, aiming to drive economic recovery in the post-coronavirus era.

On 29 June 2020, Tencent acquired the video-on-demand service iflix in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, expanding its presence in the digital entertainment industry.

The executive order targeting WeChat and related transactions for Tencent did not affect other facets of Tencent's ownership in American companies, such as its video game companies, as confirmed by a Los Angeles Times reporter.

On 17 December 2021, Tencent announced it had acquired Slamfire Inc. and its subsidiary Turtle Rock Studios, the developer behind Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood.

On 31 December 2021, it was reported Tencent had bought a stake in the UK digital bank, Monzo, signifying its expansion into the international financial market.

On 11 January 2022, it was announced that Tencent was in talks to acquire Xiaomi-backed Black Shark, one of the largest gaming smartphone makers in China, for its transition into a manufacturer of VR headsets to support Tencent's metaverse business.

On 16 September 2022, Tencent took a minority stake in Mordhau studio Triternion.

It became ingrained in peoples' lives with WeChat in the mobile age. Its founder Pony Ma was prescient enough to diversify the company's revenue.

Tencent announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2023, showcasing its performance and achievements during that period.

Tencent recently launched a new platform targeted at implementing climate solutions, aiming to contribute to environmental sustainability.

The largest shareholders in early 2024 were Naspers Limited (25.6%), Ma Huateng (7.63%), The Vanguard Group (2.68%), BlackRock (2.22%), and Norges Bank (1.11%).

The Chinese government's strict control and regulatory crackdowns on high-profit margin companies, in line with President Xi Jinping's 'common prosperity' drive, may impact Tencent's future in the next 5-10 years. Navigating ideological campaigns and regulatory scrutiny will be crucial for the company's survival.