During my tenure at Foxconn, the largest electronics manufacturer in the world, I was tasked with assisting hardware startups to scale up their production in a lean manner. My experience there gave me a deep understanding of the hardware sector.
When I embarked on my own startup journey, I immediately tapped into my connections in Taiwan. Knowing the advantages of engaging with a manufacturing partner early on, I set out to find the right partner for Mosa from the start.
I am intimately familiar with the pros and cons of collaborating with large manufacturers. They possess vast resources and expertise, capable of effectively managing the supply chain due to their comprehensive network of suppliers. However, for startups, there's often a catch: you might be too small on their radar, especially when they are preoccupied with larger clients.
Yet, these giants are also looking towards the future. TSMC, for instance, partnered with NVIDIA when it was still burgeoning. Similarly, Foxconn collaborated with Steve Jobs on the first iPhone at a time when Nokia dominated the market.
Doing Your Research and Going for It
My experience at Foxconn emboldened me to approach large manufacturers, many of which have departments dedicated to startup collaboration. When considering a leader in the cycling space, Giant was the first name that came to mind. As luck would have it, Giant, another Taiwanese gem, seemed within reach thanks to my network.
Before contacting a connection who knew Giant's CEO, I discovered Erik Huang on LinkedIn. Erik leads Giant’s I-Wow Research Centre and serves as General Manager of AIPS Technology Co, specializing in cutting-edge startup projects. Opting for a more direct approach, I reached out to Erik with a cold LinkedIn message. To my surprise, he responded within days, leading to a meeting at Giant's headquarters in Taichung within a few weeks.
In that meeting, I presented our vision and innovation. I am glad that Erik was sold, marking the beginning of a supportive partnership.
Small Client, Big Manufacturer
Having assisted startups at Foxconn navigate the complexities of hardware manufacturing, I understood the intricacies of choosing between large and small manufacturers. Small manufacturers might lack the necessary resources, while large ones could overlook you due to your size. This is why divisions specialising in innovative projects are so valuable; their focus isn't on immediate revenue but on projects with potential.
Protecting Your IP
There are notable innovative bike manufacturers in Europe, but Giant operates under a unique model. They produce their own branded bikes and accessories and also serve as OEMs for renowned brands like Canyon and Scott. This OEM model, familiar to me from my days at Foxconn, underscores their expertise in maintaining trade secret confidentiality while collaborating with competing brands.
The partnership model with your manufacturer can vary—contract manufacturing, joint design manufacturing, or original design manufacturing—depending on your internal design capabilities. Regardless of the model, understanding your IP rights is crucial.
The Advantages of Working with a Trustworthy Manufacturer
Our partnership with Giant has been fortuitous. Beyond their support, Giant's reputation lends credibility to our startup, assuaging concerns about our delivery capabilities in front of potential customers and investors. Our collaboration has grown so strong that we regularly recommend other innovative startups to Giant, including Dance, an e-bike subscription service founded by the creators of SoundCloud.
Erik is visiting Taiwan soon. If you have an interesting project and wonder if Giant could assist, consider booking an office hour with Erik. We're also hosting an event to introduce him to London's vibrant micromobility startup scene. Join us for insightful discussions and enjoy some bubble tea!
Event on 16th of April: Link