Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd. has established itself as a major player in the global smartphone market, with a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative devices. But do you know the story behind this Chinese technology company’s founding? In this post, we’ll explore the origins of Vivo and answer the question: Who founded Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd.? Discover the journey of how one man’s vision led to the creation of one of the world’s most recognizable smartphone brands. Read on to learn about the company’s founder, his background, and the story behind Vivo’s rise to success.
About Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd.
Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd. is a Chinese technology company with parent company BBK Electronics, that specializes in the production of smartphones, smartphone accessories, software, and online services. Founded in 2009, the company has its headquarters in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, and has a significant presence in several countries across the globe, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Vivo’s product lineup includes a wide range of smartphones that cater to different market segments, ranging from budget-friendly devices to high-end flagships. The company is known for its focus on camera technology and has developed several innovations in this field, including the world’s first 32MP selfie camera and a gimbal-like stabilization system for smartphone cameras.
Who founded Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd.?
Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd. was founded by Shen Wei ↗ and Duan Yongping ↗ in 2009. Shen Wei is a Chinese businessman who previously worked as a software engineer at another Chinese technology company called ZTE Corporation. He founded Vivo with the aim of creating high-quality, innovative smartphones that would offer consumers an exceptional mobile experience. Under Shen Wei’s leadership, Vivo has become one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in China and has expanded its operations to several countries around the world.
Who is the current CEO of VIVO communication technology Co. Ltd.?
Shen Wei is the President and CEO of Vivo Communication Technology since 2009. Baishan Hu (Executive Vice President & COO) · Spark Ni (Senior Vice President & CMO) · Yujian Shi (Senior Vice President & CTO).
History
Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd. was founded in 2009 by Shen Wei, a former software engineer at ZTE Corporation. The company’s early years were focused on the development and production of low-cost Android smartphones for the Chinese market. However, with the rise of Chinese smartphone brands like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi, Vivo realized that it needed to differentiate itself to stand out in the crowded market.
In 2012, Vivo made a strategic decision to focus on camera technology and began to develop innovative features to improve the photography experience on its smartphones. In 2013, the company introduced the world’s first smartphone with a 2K resolution display, the Vivo Xplay3S. This was followed by the launch of the Vivo X5Max, which at the time was the thinnest smartphone in the world, measuring just 4.75mm in thickness.
In 2015, Vivo made its debut in the Indian smartphone market, which is now one of the company’s largest markets. In the same year, the company introduced the Vivo X6 and X6 Plus, which featured a new technology called Hi-Fi 2.0, providing high-quality sound on a smartphone. The company also launched the Vivo Xshot, a camera-centric smartphone that was aimed at photography enthusiasts.
In 2016, Vivo continued to focus on camera technology and introduced the Vivo V5 Plus, which was the world’s first smartphone with a dual-lens front camera. This was followed by the launch of the Vivo X9 and X9 Plus, which featured a dual-lens front camera for high-quality selfies.
In recent years, Vivo has expanded its product lineup to include a range of mid-range and high-end smartphones, including the Vivo Y-series, V-series, and X-series. The company has also expanded its operations to several countries across the globe, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Today, Vivo is known for its focus on camera technology, and the company has continued to innovate in this field. In 2021, Vivo introduced the Vivo X60 Pro+, which featured a gimbal-like stabilization system for the rear camera. The company has also been investing in 5G technology and is expected to release several 5G-enabled smartphones in the coming years.
Marketing
Vivo was named the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2016 season under a two-year agreement, which was later extended until 2022 in July 2017. However, following the 2020 border clashes between India and China, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced criticism for allowing a Chinese company to be the league’s title sponsor. As a result, Vivo and BCCI mutually decided to suspend the deal for the 2020 season with a provision to resume it next season.
In June 2017, Vivo became the official smartphone brand of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups through a sponsorship deal with FIFA. Additionally, the company partnered with UEFA as an official partner of the UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 and became the title sponsor of India’s Pro Kabaddi. In China, Vivo has a sponsorship agreement with the NBA featuring Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors player who promotes the brand in China and the Philippines.
IMEI and build number controversy in India
In June 2020, the Meerut Police’s cybercrime unit revealed that over 13,500 Vivo smartphones being used in India shared the same IMEI number, a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device for communication administration purposes. This could potentially impede the tracking of criminals or lost/stolen devices, as IMEI numbers are often used for such purposes. In 2017, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India mandated that all mobile devices have a unique IMEI number, with penalties of fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
As a result of the discovery, the police initiated legal proceedings against Vivo and its service center. The issue came to light when a police officer’s Vivo phone, repaired at a service center in Meerut, failed to function properly, prompting an examination by the cybercrime unit. The unit discovered a discrepancy between the IMEI number printed on the phone’s box and the actual device, prompting an investigation. After reaching out to a telecom company, it was revealed that the same IMEI number had been running on 13,557 different devices across the country. The police then issued a notice to Vivo India’s nodal officer and registered a case under the Indian Penal Code.
