Core Insights - The article chronicles the journey of Chen Kaifeng, the chairman of KUSAI Intelligent, from a young salesman in 1997 to a leader in the smartphone industry, selling over 6 million phones globally by 2025, highlighting the evolution of China's mobile communication industry [1][42][43] Industry Evolution - In the early 2000s, domestic mobile phone manufacturers primarily acted as intermediaries, lacking core technology, which was held by overseas brands [5][45] - By 2004, the long lead time for orders from overseas revealed the weaknesses of this model, as market dynamics could change drastically within the 12-week production cycle [6][46] - The introduction of MediaTek's "Turnkey Solution" in 2005 significantly lowered the technical and financial barriers for manufacturers, allowing them to produce market-ready phones without extensive R&D [7][46] Product Innovation - In 2006, Chen's team capitalized on a MediaTek chip that lacked a camera by focusing on audio capabilities, creating a product tailored for laborers in noisy environments, which became known as a "shanzhai" phone [10][52] - The design included features like powerful speakers and long battery life, catering to the needs of low-income workers, thus democratizing mobile phone access [12][52] Brand Development - In 2009, Chen launched the "Koobee" brand, influenced by the "smile curve" theory, which posits that value is highest at the ends of the production chain [15][54] - Initially successful, the brand faced challenges as the market shifted towards major players like Xiaomi and OPPO, leading to a significant contraction for smaller brands [20][59] Strategic Shift - By 2017, recognizing the entrenched market dynamics, Chen pivoted KUSAI's focus from domestic branding to international markets, seeking opportunities in niches overlooked by larger competitors [23][61] - The company began to serve as an "invisible factory" for U.S. carriers, adapting products to meet specific local needs, which allowed KUSAI to thrive in a competitive landscape [71][72] Technological Capability - KUSAI established three R&D centers in China, employing nearly a thousand engineers to support diverse customization needs, which became a competitive advantage [73][76] - The company is now exploring applications beyond smartphones, such as smart screens for fitness equipment and automotive technology, indicating a broader strategic vision [77][78]
在鸟巢开过发布会的陈凯峰，决定不再做手机品牌｜我们的四分之一世纪
Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-25 12:41