Dreame Technology CEO Yu Hao Pushes Employees To Become Influencers With Cash Incentives

Yu Hao, 39, known as China’s “crazy boss,” is pushing boundaries in corporate culture by blending influencer marketing with employee compensation. Dreame Technology, founded in 2017 and valued at $6.6 billion, is targeting a $22 billion valuation by the end of 2026. This influencer-driven strategy is part of its growth plan.

The Incentive Scheme

Employees are financially rewarded based on follower count. For every 10,000 followers, they receive Rs 1.4 lakh (approx. 12,000 yuan). This effectively turns personal accounts into marketing channels for Dreame, expanding brand visibility across platforms.

Employee Reactions

Reports quoted employees joking, “In a big company, you have no choice,” while encouraging colleagues to follow each other’s accounts to “save lives.” The scheme has sparked mixed reactions, with some seeing it as innovative and others as undue pressure.

Why He Is Called “Crazy Boss”

Yu Hao has gained notoriety for unconventional stunts, including posting AI-generated images of himself in women’s outfits to boost engagement. He has also declared ambitions to become the world’s richest person and even called Elon Musk his “arch-rival.” These antics have amplified his reputation for extreme strategies.

Industry Context

China’s creator economy is thriving, with top influencers earning hundreds of millions of yuan annually. Yu Hao’s initiative reflects a wider trend of companies integrating influencer culture into business models. In India, similar trends are emerging, with influencer-related job postings rising sharply in recent years.

Workplace Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Dreame Technology founder Yu Hao offers Rs 1.4 lakh per 10,000 followers

•⁠  ⁠Employees urged to build personal online brands to expand company reach

•⁠  ⁠Dreame founded in 2017, valued at $6.6 billion, aiming for $22 billion by 2026

•⁠  ⁠Yu Hao known for stunts like AI-generated images and bold public claims

•⁠  ⁠Reflects China’s booming creator economy and global shift toward influencer-driven marketing

Sources: Moneycontrol, South China Morning Post (SCMP), NDTV, BuzzInContent