Carl Pei

Carl Pei is a prominent Chinese-Swedish entrepreneur, best known as the CEO and co-founder of the consumer electronics company Nothing. Born on September 11, 1989, in Beijing, China, Pei moved to Sweden with his family at a young age. He initially pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at the Stockholm School of Economics but left in 2011 to immerse himself in the tech industry, particularly in smartphone marketing and development.2

Career Highlights

Co-founding OnePlus:
In 2013, Pei co-founded OnePlus with Pete Lau in Shenzhen, China. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to smartphones, particularly with the launch of the OnePlus One, which exceeded sales expectations significantly.2 Pei served as the director of global operations at OnePlus until he departed from the company in October 2020.

Founding Nothing:
After leaving OnePlus, Pei launched Nothing on January 27, 2021. The company's mission is to simplify technology and create a more integrated digital experience for consumers. Nothing made its mark with products like the Nothing Ear (1) earbuds and the Nothing Phone (1), both of which received positive reviews for their unique design and functionality.12 Under Pei's leadership, Nothing has achieved significant revenue milestones, reportedly reaching $600 million in annualized revenue within just two years of its inception.1

Philosophy and Vision

Pei's vision for Nothing focuses on removing barriers between people and technology, emphasizing a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in product design. He aims to cultivate a brand that resonates with consumers who appreciate thoughtful design and user experience.23

Public Perception

Carl Pei has often been compared to influential figures like Steve Jobs due to his emphasis on design and branding. His approach has garnered a cult following among tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.3 Despite facing challenges in naming conventions and product differentiation, Pei remains committed to refining Nothing's offerings and expanding its market presence.34

Pei is active on social media platforms under the username @getpeid, where he shares insights about his work and engages with the tech community.5