Carl Pei (Nothing)
Overview
Carl Pei Yu, widely known as Carl Pei, is a Swedish entrepreneur born on September 11, 1989, in Beijing, China. He is best known as the former co-founder of OnePlus, a prominent smartphone brand, and the current founder and CEO of Nothing Technology Limited, a consumer electronics startup. Pei's innovative approach in the tech industry, especially with his work on Nothing, has marked him as a visionary. Nothing is recognized for its design-focused consumer electronics, including smartphones and audio products. Operating his company out of London, Pei has attracted substantial attention for his efforts to bridge the gap between technology and user experience, making tech "fun" again as opposed to sterile and utilitarian.
Recent Developments
- December 2025: Nothing announced a $5 million community fundraising round, aiming to become "IPO-ready" within three years. The company is valued at $1.3 billion and has plans to focus on AI-centric devices, exploring further growth in the smartphone and audio sectors.
- September 2025: Nothing raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, with a valuation of $1.3 billion. The funds are directed towards building an AI-first operating system and expanding their hardware capabilities.
- July 2025: The release of the Nothing Phone 3, characterized by its focus on reducing user dependency on smartphones, emphasizing features designed to enhance productivity without constant engagement.
- January 2025: Leaked emails revealed the strategic direction for Nothing in 2025, including a focus on flagship devices and potential integration of current AI technologies.
- 2024-2025: Nothing has been working towards launching products that integrate AI-driven platforms, beginning with their flagship smartphones, marking a significant shift from their usual product lines.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Pei Yu |
| Born | September 11, 1989, Beijing, China |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Nothing |
| Known For | Co-founding OnePlus, founding Nothing |
| Education | Stockholm School of Economics (dropped out) |
Early Life and Education
Carl Pei was born in Beijing, China, and shortly thereafter moved to the United States with his family, finally settling in Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up, Pei developed a strong interest in technology and consumer electronics, notably influenced by early connections with devices like Apple's iPod. Despite his interest in computers and technology, Pei maintained average grades due to his attention being divided between academics and his technological pursuits. In 2008, he enrolled at the Stockholm School of Economics but dropped out in 2011 to dive into the burgeoning tech industry, starting with a role at Nokia before joining Meizu in a marketing capacity.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2013: Co-founded OnePlus with Pete Lau in Shenzhen, launching the OnePlus One in 2014, which was a commercial success.
- 2015: Presented the OnePlus 2 through a landmark virtual reality video, marking an innovative approach in product launches.
- 2020: Left OnePlus to establish Nothing, focusing on creating tech that removes barriers and redesigning the consumer experience.
- 2021: Launched the first product, Nothing Ear (1), which received positive reviews for its design and functionality.
- 2022: Released the Nothing Phone (1), praised for its unique design and user-centric features.
Current Work and Impact
As of December 2025, Carl Pei continues to lead Nothing, which has quickly risen to prominence due to its innovative design philosophy and emphasis on building a seamless digital environment through AI integration. The company's growth, captured through ambitious goals like being IPO-ready by 2028, highlights its expanding influence in the consumer electronics market. Under Pei’s leadership, Nothing actively engages with its community, leveraging crowdfunding and community involvement to foster a brand that resonates with younger, design-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
Carl Pei stands out as a transformative figure in the tech industry, merging innovative design with ambitious technological advancements. With Nothing, Pei aims to challenge traditional tech norms by focusing on user experience and community engagement. As Pei steers Nothing towards developing AI-first platforms and potentially becoming publicly traded, his influence is poised to extend beyond traditional realms, ensuring his enduring legacy in reshaping consumer electronics.