London-based tech company Nothing has officially announced a major restructuring of its sub-brand CMF, spinning it off into an independent subsidiary. What makes this move significant is that India will now serve as CMF’s global headquarters for research, development, manufacturing, and operations. With an ambitious investment and a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom Limited, CMF is on its way to becoming India’s first truly global smartphone brand.

Key Highlights

CMF becomes an independent subsidiary of Nothing

India chosen as global HQ for R&D, operations, and manufacturing

$100 million joint venture with Optiemus Infracom Limited

Over 1,800 new jobs to be created in India within three years

Nothing has already invested $200 million in India

Recent $200 million Series C funding boosts global expansion plans

CMF’s Transition to Independence

Since its launch two years ago, CMF has built a strong reputation in the market for affordable yet well-designed technology products. With this new development, CMF will operate independently while benefiting from Nothing’s ecosystem and brand legacy. This move allows CMF to focus on global smartphone growth with India at the core of its strategy.

The Optiemus Partnership and $100 Million Investment

Nothing has partnered with Optiemus Infracom Limited, a leading Indian electronics manufacturer known for its high-tech production capabilities. Together, the two companies have established a joint venture worth more than $100 million, aimed at making India a global production and export hub for Nothing and CMF products.

This venture is expected to generate over 1,800 new jobs in India within the next three years, supporting the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by showcasing local talent and innovation on a global stage.

India’s Central Role in Nothing’s Global Strategy

Nothing’s CEO, Carl Pei, emphasized India’s importance in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry. He stated that CMF’s growing popularity since its inception gives the brand the right foundation to become India’s first truly global smartphone name.

To date, Nothing has already invested more than $200 million in India, further solidifying the country as a cornerstone of its global expansion strategy.

Optiemus’ Vision for the Partnership

Ashok Gupta, Executive Chairman of Optiemus, highlighted how this collaboration will not only enhance manufacturing but also establish India as a source of export-ready, globally competitive technology products. The partnership aims to bring innovation and advanced design capabilities to India’s tech ecosystem, while also contributing significantly to local employment and skills development.

Strengthening India Presence and Market Growth

This announcement comes on the heels of several India-focused decisions by Nothing. The company has already shifted CMF’s global marketing operations to India and appointed Himanshu Tandon as VP of CMF Business. Additionally, the company’s recent $200 million Series C funding round, led by Tiger Global and joined by investor Nikhil Kamath, valued the company at $1.3 billion, strengthening its ability to scale globally.

Conclusion

The transformation of CMF into an independent subsidiary with India at its global centre marks a pivotal moment for both Nothing and the Indian smartphone industry. Through its $100 million joint venture with Optiemus, CMF is not only set to become India’s first global smartphone brand but also contribute significantly to the country’s role as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and exports.

This milestone aligns with India’s ambition to be at the forefront of global technology manufacturing, positioning CMF as a brand that could redefine India’s presence in the international smartphone market.

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