Bengaluru-based startup Indkal Applied sciences introduced on Thursday that it has signed a licensing settlement to launch Acer-branded smartphones in India. The Taiwanese shopper electronics firm is claimed to be coming into the Indian smartphone market once more, years after its smartphone enterprise shut store. This growth comes after Indkal raised $36 million (roughly Rs. 300 crore) in a Sequence A funding spherical final month, led by Mauritius-based Aries Alternatives Fund.
Acer Smartphones Return to Indian Market
As a part of the deal, Indkal will design, manufacture and distribute Acer-branded smartphones throughout the nation. As per the businesses, they may launch “a variety of smartphones” between Rs. 15,000-Rs. 50,000. Nonetheless, it won’t tackle the gamers within the funds smartphone market, as a substitute selecting to introduce choices within the mid-range phase which is already flooded with choices by varied Indian and worldwide producers.
Thus, it is going to be competing in opposition to manufacturers corresponding to Oppo, Vivo, Tecno, and OnePlus, in addition to giants corresponding to Xiaomi and Samsung – all of which have a powerful presence within the Indian smartphone market.
“We’re excited that Indkal Applied sciences will additional this mission in India by offering a variety of smartphones below the Acer model that expands end-user decisions and enrich their expertise within the Indian market”, mentioned Jade Zhou, Vice-president of International Strategic Alliances at Acer Inc.
The smartphones might be manufactured in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and can have “superior software program applied sciences”. As per Indkal, it has arrange a producing goal of 1 million gadgets per yr. It is usually mentioned to be making use of for the smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
In a press release, Anand Dubey, chief govt officer of Indkal Applied sciences mentioned, “These well-designed gadgets will provide distinctive worth with cutting-edge {hardware} and software program. We’re assured that customers will recognize the standard and innovation synonymous with the Acer model.”
Acer-branded smartphones might be obtainable for buy on e-commerce platforms and offline retail shops within the nation. Notably, that is the second collaboration between the Taiwanese tech large and the Indian startup, following the launch of Acer-branded sensible TVs in India in 2021.
