OPUSONE INC

OPUS ONE INC. is a South Korean electronics company specializing in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, established in 2015 by founder Kim Gi-yeong. The founder's journey into entrepreneurship began after a 13-year career at Samsung Electronics, where he amassed extensive experience in hardware and software development, as well as product planning. Before launching Opus One, Kim Gi-yeong joined KDLAB, a mobile accessory company started by a former Samsung colleague, where he was instrumental in driving significant sales, showcasing his acumen for the consumer electronics market. This success paved the way for the creation of Opus One, which was later selected for an incubation program by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation in 2017.

The company's strategic focus is on creating electronic devices that are redefined by a single, impactful IoT feature, rather than overloading products with numerous functions. This philosophy was embodied in its first product, the 'Jonas' smart umbrella. The device connects to a smartphone application to provide weather forecasts, alerting the user to the potential need for an umbrella. Its functionality extends beyond weather, as it vibrates to notify the user of incoming calls or text messages on their connected phone. A distinctive feature allows a user to locate their misplaced smartphone by shaking the umbrella, which triggers an alarm on the phone. The business operates on a model of developing these distinct IoT products and marketing them globally through distribution partners. Following a successful launch in Japan, the smart umbrella attracted attention at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), leading to partnership interest from distributors in Northern Europe and the United States.

Keywords: IoT devices, smart umbrella, consumer electronics, hardware development, product planning, Gyeonggi, South Korean startup, smart home technology, connected devices, electronics manufacturing, international distribution, mobile accessories, product innovation, Kim Gi-yeong, Jonas umbrella, weather notification, phone finder, Samsung engineer, IT manufacturing, product design