Carl Pei is a name that resonates within the global tech industry. Best known as the co-founder of OnePlus and the founder of the emerging tech startup Nothing, Pei has carved out a niche as a modern-day tech visionary. In recent years, his business ventures have propelled him into the limelight—not just for his innovation, but also for the wealth he has accumulated. In this detailed report, we dive deep into Carl Pei net worth, how he built it, and what continues to drive his financial success.
Who Is Carl Pei?
Carl Pei was born on September 11, 1989, in China, but raised in Sweden. A blend of Eastern roots and Western upbringing gave him a unique perspective on business and technology. Pei studied at the Stockholm School of Economics, although he later dropped out to pursue his tech ambitions.
Before founding OnePlus, Pei held marketing roles at Nokia and Meizu, which helped him hone his skills in brand development and product strategy. His real breakthrough came in 2013 with the creation of OnePlus, a smartphone brand that disrupted the market by offering premium features at an affordable price.
Carl Pei’s Role in Building OnePlus
When Pei co-founded OnePlus with Pete Lau in 2013, the company aimed to offer a flagship smartphone experience at mid-range prices. The result was the OnePlus One, a device that garnered a cult following due to its high performance, clean software, and competitive pricing.
Pei served as the face of OnePlus for many years, spearheading its marketing and community engagement efforts. Under his leadership, OnePlus evolved from a startup into a globally recognized smartphone brand. The company’s rapid rise contributed significantly to Carl Pei’s early financial success, allowing him to establish a reputation as one of tech’s most promising entrepreneurs.
By 2020, OnePlus had merged deeper into BBK Electronics, the parent company of several major Chinese phone brands including Oppo and Vivo. Pei departed OnePlus that same year, choosing to chart a new course with his own vision.
The Launch of Nothing: A New Chapter in Innovation
In late 2020, Carl Pei launched Nothing, a London-based consumer tech startup focused on creating a seamless digital future. The company’s vision was to strip away the barriers between technology and people. With backing from high-profile investors like Tony Fadell (creator of the iPod), Casey Neistat, Kevin Lin (co-founder of Twitch), and even Google Ventures, Nothing quickly gained momentum.
The brand debuted with the Nothing Ear (1) wireless earbuds in 2021, which stood out due to their transparent design and solid performance at a competitive price. Building on that success, Nothing released its first smartphone—the Nothing Phone (1)—in 2022. Which was met with praise for its unique aesthetics and user-friendly interface.
The company has since followed up with the Nothing Phone (2) and multiple audio products, cementing its position as a bold newcomer challenging tech giants like Apple and Samsung.
Carl Pei Net Worth in 2025: A Financial Deep Dive
As of 2025, Carl Pei’s estimated net worth is approximately $50 million to $75 million. While not officially confirmed, this range is based on:
- His stake in OnePlus before departing in 2020
- Equity holdings in Nothing
- Angel investments and other private ventures
- Sponsorships, speaking engagements, and appearances
Pei’s net worth has grown significantly thanks to his early exit from OnePlus, which likely came with a generous buyout. In addition, as the CEO of Nothing, he maintains a substantial equity stake in the company. And that is growing rapidly in valuation.
With Nothing raising over $144 million in funding to date and launching products that have sold hundreds of thousands of units. The startup is quickly becoming a valuable asset in Carl Pei’s portfolio.
Sources of Income Contributing to Carl Pei’s Wealth
1. Equity in Startups
The bulk of Carl Pei net worth stems from equity ownership. In both OnePlus and Nothing, his founding roles gave him substantial stakes. These shares have also appreciated over time due to business growth and investor confidence.
2. Product Revenue
With Nothing selling tech products like wireless earbuds and smartphones, Pei likely draws salary, dividends, and bonuses from the company’s revenue. Products like the Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Phone (2) continue to perform well in markets across Europe and India.
3. Venture Capital and Angel Investing
Pei is known to invest in other startups and emerging technologies, especially in consumer electronics and digital platforms. These early-stage investments could yield significant returns as the startups mature or exit via acquisition or IPO.
4. Brand Partnerships and Media Engagements
Carl Pei is often featured in major tech events, interviews, podcasts, and YouTube content. These media appearances, coupled with tech community sponsorships and collaborations, add to his diversified income.
Carl Pei’s Lifestyle and Public Image
Unlike many tech billionaires who embrace opulence, Carl Pei maintains a minimalist and grounded public image. His social media presence is clean and focused on product innovation, team building, and user feedback. He often shares behind-the-scenes looks at product development, giving fans a rare peek into the design process.
Pei is also known for his strong belief in transparency, both in product design and corporate culture. His leadership style and vision for Nothing reflect this ethos, with product launches that feel more like tech festivals than standard press events.
Nothing’s Future and Its Impact on Pei’s Net Worth
The continued success of Nothing will play a pivotal role in Carl Pei’s future net worth. With increasing consumer interest, expanding product lines, and a bold marketing strategy, Nothing is poised to scale globally.
Potential moves that could significantly boost Pei’s wealth include:
- A public IPO for Nothing
- Partnerships or mergers with larger tech players
- Expansion into new product categories like wearables, AR, or smart home tech
As long as Pei continues to innovate and deliver products that resonate with modern consumers, his financial trajectory appears strong.
Conclusion:
Carl Pei’s net worth is not just a reflection of business success—it’s a testament to innovation, calculated risk-taking, and brand building. From humble beginnings to co-founding one of the world’s most talked-about tech startups, Pei has shown that vision and execution go hand in hand. As Nothing continues to evolve, so too will the wealth and legacy of its founder.
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QNAs
Here are most searched queries about Carl Pei, are answered.
1. Who is Carl Pei and What is He Known For?
Answer: Carl Pei is a Swedish-Chinese entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of OnePlus, a smartphone brand that gained global recognition for offering high-quality devices at affordable prices. In 2020, he left OnePlus to start his new venture, Nothing, a consumer technology company focused on creating minimalist and innovative tech products. Pei’s influence in the tech industry is notable for his ability to disrupt established markets with fresh ideas and sleek designs.
2. Why Did Carl Pei Leave OnePlus?
Answer: Carl Pei left OnePlus in October 2020 to explore new opportunities and challenges. After years of success with OnePlus, where he played a key role in its global expansion and brand identity, Pei felt it was time to pursue new ventures. His departure led to the creation of Nothing, a company focused on simplifying technology and creating a more seamless digital experience.
3. What is Carl Pei Net Worth?
Answer: As of 2025, Carl Pei’s net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $75 million. His wealth comes from his successful tenure at OnePlus, where he was a co-founder, and his current role as the founder and CEO of Nothing. Pei’s strategic investments and ventures in the tech industry have also contributed to his financial success.
4. What Products Has Carl Pei’s Company ‘Nothing’ Released?
Answer: Carl Pei’s company, Nothing, launched its first product, the Ear (1) true wireless earbuds, in 2021. These earbuds were well-received for their transparent design, affordability, and high-quality sound. Following this, Nothing introduced the Phone (1) in 2022, Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Phone (2), which continued the company’s trend of minimalist design and innovative features, garnering significant attention in the tech world.
5. What is Carl Pei’s Vision for the Future of Technology?
Answer: Carl Pei’s vision for the future of technology revolves around creating products that remove barriers between people and technology. He aims to simplify and declutter the digital experience through minimalist design and seamless integration. With Nothing, Pei is working towards building an ecosystem of interconnected devices that enhance daily life while being aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. His approach emphasizes innovation, design excellence, and breaking away from the traditional, cluttered tech landscape.
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