Company Profile: Flexible Technology
Background
Flexible Technology is a company specializing in the development and manufacturing of flexible electronic components, including flexible displays and sensors. These components are integral to a variety of human-machine interface products, such as foldable smartphones and other smart devices. The company was founded by a group of Stanford engineering graduates, led by CEO Bill Liu, in 2012. With its headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, and additional offices in Fremont, California, USA, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, Flexible Technology has established a global presence. The company has been recognized for its technological innovations and rapid growth, receiving international industry awards, including the Red Dot Awards and International Design Awards. In 2018, it was named a VIP Award winner by TWICE Magazine.
Key Strategic Focus
Flexible Technology's strategic focus centers on the production of fully flexible displays and sensors. The company aims to revolutionize the consumer electronics and automotive industries by providing ultra-thin, lightweight, and unbreakable electronic components. Its key technologies include organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and flexible substrates, enabling the creation of flexible organic LCD displays (OLCDs). The primary markets targeted are consumer electronics, automotive, and other sectors requiring flexible electronic solutions.
Financials and Funding
Flexible Technology has secured significant funding to support its growth and technological advancements. In 2017, the company raised an additional US$800 million, bringing its total funding to over US$1 billion. The investors include IDG Capital, AMTD Group, and Knight Capital. The capital has been utilized to expand production capabilities, develop new products, and enhance research and development efforts.
Pipeline Development
The company's product pipeline includes several key candidates:
- Flexible Displays: Flexible Technology has developed the world's thinnest full-color flexible displays, which are in volume production at its quasi-G6 mass production campus in Shenzhen, China.
- Flexible Sensors: The company has produced flexible sensors that can be integrated into various applications, including smart devices and automotive systems.
- Foldable Smartphones: In 2018, Flexible Technology introduced the world's first commercial foldable smartphone, FlexPai™, featuring a fully flexible display.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Flexible Technology's technological platform is built upon several proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies:
- Proprietary Technologies: The company utilizes organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and flexible substrates to create flexible electronic components.
- Significant Scientific Methods: Flexible Technology employs low-temperature processing techniques for OTFTs, allowing the use of lower-cost plastic substrates and enabling the production of flexible electronic components.
Leadership Team
The leadership team at Flexible Technology includes:
- Bill Liu: Founder, Chairman, and CEO. Bill Liu is a Stanford engineering graduate who founded the company in 2012.
- Xiaojun Yu: Director and Vice President. Xiaojun Yu plays a key role in the company's strategic direction and operations.
- Peng Wei: Vice President. Peng Wei contributes to the company's leadership and decision-making processes.
- Sam Chi Fai Ng: Vice President of Finance. Sam Chi Fai Ng oversees the company's financial strategies and operations.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The flexible electronics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for flexible and wearable devices. The market is characterized by rapid innovation and competition among key players.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the flexible electronics industry include:
- Royole Corporation: A Chinese company specializing in flexible displays and sensors, known for producing the world's first commercial foldable smartphone, FlexPai™, in 2018.
- FlexEnable: A UK-based technology provider developing flexible organic electronics and OTFT materials, focusing on replacing silicon on glass in large-area electronics with organic thin-film transistors on flexible substrates.
- Plastic Logic: A company that licenses technology from FlexEnable to produce flexible plastic electronic displays, including the world's first flexible image sensor on plastic.
- Constantia Flexibles: An Austrian manufacturer of flexible packaging, supplying products to multinational corporations and local markets in the food, pet food, pharmaceuticals, and beverage industries.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Flexible Technology has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:
- Louis Vuitton: In May 2019, the company partnered with Louis Vuitton to launch the "Canvas of the Future" line of handbags featuring built-in flexible displays.
- Airbus China Innovation Centre (ACCIC): In December 2018, the company announced a partnership with ACCIC to explore applications of flexible displays and sensors in aircraft development, aiming to improve cabin safety and increase energy conservation.
Operational Insights
Flexible Technology's strategic considerations include:
- Major Competitors: The company faces competition from other flexible electronics manufacturers, such as Royole Corporation, FlexEnable, and Plastic Logic.
- Market Position: Flexible Technology holds a significant position in the flexible electronics market, with its products being integrated into various consumer electronics and automotive applications.
- Competitive Advantages: The company's proprietary technologies, strategic partnerships, and early entry into the foldable smartphone market provide distinct competitive advantages.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Flexible Technology's strategic roadmap includes:
- Expansion into New Markets: The company aims to expand its presence in the automotive and wearable device markets by leveraging its flexible electronic components.
- Product Diversification: Flexible Technology plans to diversify its product offerings by developing new applications for its flexible displays and sensors.
- Technological Advancements: The company is focused on advancing its manufacturing processes and materials to enhance the performance and reduce the cost of its flexible electronic components.
Contact Information
- Official Website: www.royole.com
- Social Media Profiles:
- LinkedIn: Royole Corporation
- Twitter: @RoyoleCorp
- Facebook: Royole Corporation
- Instagram: @royolecorp
