They're a diverse bunch. They have made their money in agribusiness, real estate, soft drinks, trading, construction and the Internet. Yet few of these entrepreneurs are well known even in their own country. To succeed in a major way it helps to have connections with party cadres and senior bureaucrats. But note that 41 of the 50 do not have such connections.
Estimates vary widely as to how many private companies exist in China.
But whatever the number, it's certain to grow. The state-owned enterprises have gotten to a point where they can't perform anymore. Now China has to rely on private businesses for growth. The environment for entrepreneurs is getting better. The state sector is a huge weight around China's neck.