As workplaces become increasingly wireless, collaborative, and mobility-driven, Rapoo is aligning its growth strategy with the changing needs of modern users. From smart peripherals to conferencing and audio solutions, the brand is expanding its relevance across the region. In an exclusive interaction with DT, Mukesh Kumar Chaudhary, Regional Director India & SAARC, MEA, Rapoo, shares perspectives on business growth, practical AI innovation, and growth strategy for 2026.
Q: Please tell us about your overall business performance in 2025. What have been the most significant factors driving the company’s growth?
A: 2025 has been a year of steady and sustainable growth for us. This progress has been driven by our continued focus on practical innovation, strong R&D, and understanding the evolving needs of hybrid work environments. Instead of chasing flashy features, we concentrated on delivering reliable, wireless-first solutions that solve real productivity challenges.
This growth was supported by strong demand for multi-device peripherals, along with our expansion into video conferencing and PC audio categories. We also strengthened our distribution across India and the SAARC region, which helped us reach more customers. Most importantly, our consistent focus on offering dependable products at the right value has helped us build stronger customer confidence and long-term relationships.
Q: With AI becoming central to innovation, what does your 2026 product roadmap look like, particularly in terms of AI-powered advancements?
A: Our 2026 roadmap is centered around “practical AI”- AI that enhances user experience without adding complexity. We are focusing on intelligent power management, adaptive performance optimization, and deeper software-level customization that allows users to personalize their workflow.
Rather than over-engineering hardware, our approach integrates AI subtly and optionally, ensuring users remain in full control. We envision AI working quietly in the background - improving connectivity stability, optimizing battery life, and enhancing device responsiveness. The goal is to make work smoother and more intuitive, not overwhelming.
Q: What concrete steps are you taking to further strengthen partner engagement and long-term channel collaboration?
A: Channel partners remain central to our growth strategy. We are strengthening engagement through structured partner programs, regular training initiatives, and improved communication focused on usage-driven selling rather than specification-based pitching.
We are also investing in better after-sales support, faster service turnaround, and localized distribution networks to improve partner confidence. Our focus is on long-term collaboration - enabling partners with product education, marketing support, and predictable supply chains so they can grow sustainably with us.
Q: How is your organization supporting the Make in India initiative, and what role does localization play in your future growth plans?
A: Localization is becoming a central pillar of our long-term growth strategy. We are actively aligning with the Government of India’s Make in India vision by strengthening local sourcing, assembly, and supply chain capabilities within the country. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also enables us to respond faster to evolving market demands.
As part of this commitment, several of our products, including the P101 and P201 power banks, as well as the A250 and A350 Bluetooth soundbars are proudly manufactured in India. These products reflect our focus on building quality technology solutions while contributing to domestic manufacturing and employment generation.
Localization goes beyond production; it allows us to better understand regional preferences, pricing sensitivities, and usage behaviors across India. By integrating these insights into product design and development, we can deliver solutions that are more relevant to Indian consumers and SMEs.
In the coming years, increasing local value addition will play an even larger role in strengthening competitiveness, improving supply chain resilience, and accelerating sustainable growth in the Indian market.
Q: What are your top strategic priorities for 2026 across revenue, expansion, and market positioning?
A: Our key priorities for 2026 are focused on strengthening growth, expanding our reach, and reinforcing our brand position.
From a revenue perspective, we plan to grow our wireless-first portfolio, expand further into conferencing and audio solutions, and increase our presence in the enterprise segment. In terms of expansion, we will continue to strengthen our reach across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, while also deepening our presence in the SAARC region.
At the brand level, our focus is to further establish ourselves as a trusted wireless brand known for delivering reliable, easy-to-use, and value-driven products that support the everyday needs of modern work environments.
Quick Bytes
A global tech leader you admire? - Steve Jobs
AI as a co-pilot or AI as a disruptor? - Co-pilot
A technology you trust more than human instinct? - Human instinct backed by experience
One tech buzzword you secretly wish would disappear? - AI used just for namesake; it is most valuable when it brings real intelligence and meaningful innovation.
A market segment you believe is about to explode? - Video conferencing
Talent gap or technology gap, what worries you more? - Talent gap
Data driven decisions or gut instinct under pressure? - A balanced mix of data-driven decisions and gut instinct
Collaboration or competition, which drives faster innovation? – Collaboration
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