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Launching a smartphone brand is no walk in the park. For Carl Pei, co-founder of Nothing and OnePlus, it was a saga of perseverance, innovation, and near-death experiences. His story of navigating the labyrinthine process of manufacturing a smartphone is a lesson in grit and ingenuity.
Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Many Levels of the Smartphone Game
Building a smartphone involves a series of steps, each more challenging than the last. Carl Pei likened it to a game: you clear one level, only to face an even more complex one. Initial milestones, like partnering with Google for Android, were relatively straightforward. But soon, Pei and his team hit a wall that nearly ended their journey.
The IC Chip Crisis
At the heart of their troubles was a tiny but critical component: the IC chip that connects the display to the motherboard. Their supplier, Samsung, was out of stock, and alternative suppliers didn’t provide chips pre-integrated with displays. This left Pei’s team with a critical gap. The stakes were high—cash had already been spent on manufacturing preparations, but without this tiny chip, the entire project was at risk.
Begging Competitors for Help
Desperate to keep the project alive, Pei reached out to competitors, including smartphone CEOs and industry leaders. Imagine a young entrepreneur, humbled but determined, asking rivals for a lifeline. Most dismissed his requests with a curt, "Why should I help you?" Yet, Pei didn’t quit. After contacting 50 to 100 people, the team finally secured the IC chips needed to proceed.
Lessons in Resilience
Reflecting on the ordeal, Pei realized a profound truth: challenges that seem insurmountable in the moment often fade in significance over time. The key is to push through. “Every time I felt the world was falling apart... I just pushed through,” Pei shared. Looking back six months later, those critical moments appeared smaller than they seemed at the time.
Why It Matters
Pei’s story underscores the unpredictable and often brutal nature of entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about having the determination to face them head-on. From a small IC chip to global competition, Pei’s journey serves as a beacon for anyone daring to dream big.
In the end, his persistence didn’t just save the project—it solidified his reputation as a leader unafraid to tackle impossible odds.
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