London-based tech company Nothing has announced a significant strategic shift by spinning off its budget-focused sub-brand, CMF, into an independent subsidiary headquartered in India.
This move is aimed at establishing CMF as India’s first truly global consumer tech brand, with a strong emphasis on operations, research and development, and manufacturing within the country.
As part of this transition, Nothing has partnered with Indian electronics manufacturer Optiemus Infracom to form a joint venture. The collaboration involves an investment exceeding $100 million over the next three years and is expected to create more than 1,800 jobs in India.
This initiative underscores Nothing’s commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing smartphone markets.
The decision to base CMF’s global headquarters in India reflects the country’s growing importance in the global tech ecosystem. Nothing CEO Carl Pei emphasized that India will play a key role in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry.
He expressed confidence that CMF, with its end-to-end capabilities, is uniquely positioned to become India’s first truly global smartphone brand.
Optiemus Infracom brings world-class engineering and production capabilities to the partnership.
Their proven expertise in supporting global brands and establishing robust manufacturing and export opportunities further strengthens India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
The collaboration aims to transform India into a global production and export base for both Nothing and CMF products.
This move aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and is expected to bolster the country’s position in the global electronics manufacturing landscape.
Nothing’s investment in India now exceeds $200 million, reflecting the company’s confidence in the Indian market and its potential for growth.
The establishment of CMF as an independent subsidiary is a testament to Nothing’s long-term commitment to India and its ambition to build a sustainable and scalable business in the country.
As CMF embarks on this new chapter, the brand is poised to introduce a range of innovative products to the market. The upcoming launch of CMF’s first pair of over-ear headphones on September 29 is anticipated to further solidify the brand’s position in the affordable tech segment.
With a focus on design, quality, and affordability, CMF aims to cater to the growing demand for consumer electronics in India and beyond. This move is expected to create substantial economic opportunities, enhance India’s position in the global tech ecosystem, and pave the way for the growth of CMF as a leading global consumer tech brand.