Nothing, the smartphone manufacturer from London, is set to operate its budget-friendly brand CMF as an independent entity in India. India has been selected as a global hub for the company’s manufacturing, operational, and research activities. A joint venture has been announced with Optiemus Infracom, an Indian electronics company, to facilitate this strategic move. This partnership will focus on the production and export of products from both Nothing and CMF within India.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, shared a post on X regarding his meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister of Electronics and IT, where discussions revolved around the expansion of Nothing and CMF in India. Pei emphasized India’s significant role in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry.
The collaborative investment between the two companies will amount to $100 million (approximately 887.77 crore), with a projected creation of over 1800 new jobs in India over the next three years. This investment further solidifies the company’s dedication to the Indian market, where it has already invested over $200 million (1775 crore). CMF, launched in 2023, targets the budget segment with smartphones and wearables priced under $200. Recent data shows that a large percentage of phones sold in India fall within this price bracket, making CMF’s strategy particularly relevant. This joint venture will be instrumental in establishing CMF as the first truly global smartphone brand originating from India.