Native Union

Elegant, high-quality tech accessories for today’s digital nomads

In an era where so many of us run our lives on sophisticated mobile devices and computing systems we couldn’t have imagined mere decades ago, Native Union is quietly building a name for itself as the go-to design brand for refined, high-quality tech accessories. Known for their understated style and use of natural materials, the brand’s products are a welcome reprieve from the nondescript, mass-produced plastic that has long been associated with the mobile accessories market.

Making tech accessories for a modern way of working and living was a natural direction for Native Union, considering how its co-founders started the company nine years ago. Running their respective design businesses out of Hong Kong, Igor Duc and John Brunner met in a co-working space in 2007. As entrepreneurs themselves — traveling constantly and working across lots of different time zones — both recognized a shift in the way people were working and living. With a wave of new technology came almost constant connectivity and that was quickly breaking down the barriers between work and play — now you were always “on.”

In Brunner’s words, “We had our eureka moment with Native Union. We both wanted to create products for this entrepreneurial, digital nomad lifestyle that we could see developing all around us.”

Only 12 months after their chance encounter, Brunner and Duc had sold their respective businesses and co-founded Native Union. Good design remains the foundation of everything they do and they will always favor being best to market over first to market. Native Union has become an expert in making durable, unconventional mobile accessories — indestructible cables, sleek wireless charging pads, and phone cases cut from real marble — that simplify and enhance how we live with our overwhelming amount of tech. Its customer is someone who embraces the modern fluidity between working and living like they do, and is willing to pay a bit more for high quality and unique design.

Since a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, where it raised nearly $1 million for its multi-USB charger Eclipse, Native Union’s attention has shifted to charging — and specifically, how it’s changing.

The brand now offers a full range of fast multi-device chargers that equip you for those situations where cables are best, such as needing to charge several devices simultaneously or working from your device while charging. And if you need a wireless, static charger for use overnight at home or in a hotel, Native Union’s wireless charging pad Drop is a fast and stylish proposition. It doesn’t stop there. You can also charge while listening to music with their new state-of-the-art speaker, created in collaboration with French audio specialists La Boite concept.

Native Union has come a long way since its inception in a co-working space in Hong Kong. It now has a huge global reach thanks to its premium distribution network that has put it on the shelves of the finest retailers worldwide. The opening of its L.A. office last year also helped propel the brand into the consciousness of West Coast designophiles. So, what’s next for Native Union? Whatever it is, it will be carefully considered — much like every product they put their creative minds to. ■