Indkal Technologies, a Bengaluru-based startup, has signed a licensing agreement to bring Acer-branded smartphones to the Indian market. This move signals the return of Acer to the Indian smartphone scene, years after the company ceased its smartphone operations. The announcement follows Indkal’s successful Series A funding round, which raised $36 million (approximately Rs. 300 crore) led by Aries Opportunities Fund based in Mauritius.

Key Points

Indkal Technologies partners with Acer to launch smartphones in India.

The smartphones will be priced between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 50,000.

Focus on the mid-range segment rather than the budget market.

We compete against established brands such as Oppo, Vivo, Tecno, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Samsung.

Devices will be designed, manufactured, and distributed by Indkal Technologies.

Indian Market Focus

The new partnership aims to penetrate the highly competitive mid-range smartphone segment in India. Unlike many brands that dominate the budget segment, Acer smartphones will target mid-range consumers, offering a variety of models between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 50,000. This strategic move positions Acer to compete with well-established brands and meet the growing demand for feature-rich smartphones at competitive prices.

Make in India Initiative

Aligned with the ‘Make in India‘ initiative, the Acer smartphones will be manufactured domestically. Indkal Technologies has set an ambitious target of producing one million devices per year. The company is also applying for the smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to support its manufacturing goals. This move aligns with national manufacturing policies and aims to provide high-quality, innovative products to Indian consumers.

Availability and Distribution

Acer-branded smartphones will be available for purchase through major e-commerce platforms as well as offline retail stores across India. This wide distribution strategy ensures that a diverse range of consumers will have access to these new devices. The smartphones are expected to hit the market soon, with official announcements detailing specific release dates and models.

Conclusion

Acer’s re-entry into the Indian smartphone market through its collaboration with Indkal Technologies marks a significant development. With a clear focus on the mid-range segment, innovative features, and alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Acer smartphones are poised to offer Indian consumers compelling new options. As the launch approaches, anticipation is building for the impact these devices will have on the competitive landscape, providing a fresh alternative in the mid-range smartphone market.