Kobo eReader

Rakuten Kobo, widely known as Kobo, is a prominent brand in the digital reading industry, founded in 2009 in Toronto, Canada. Originally established as 'Shortcovers' by the Canadian bookstore chain Indigo Books & Music, it was rebranded as Kobo—an anagram of the word 'book'—to reflect its commitment to a diverse reading ecosystem. The brand was created to provide an open alternative to proprietary platforms, supporting various file formats and partnering with local booksellers worldwide.

In 2012, the company underwent a major transition when it was acquired by the Japanese e-commerce and technology giant Rakuten Group. Despite this ownership change, Kobo has maintained its global headquarters and core design and engineering operations in Toronto. While the software and hardware design are Canadian-led, the physical manufacturing of the devices is handled by specialized electronics manufacturing partners, primarily located in Taiwan (via Netronix) and China.

Under Rakuten's stewardship, Kobo has expanded into a global digital content ecosystem, offering millions of eBooks and audiobooks alongside its specialized hardware. The brand continues to compete at the top of the market by integrating advanced E Ink technology and sustainability initiatives, such as the use of recycled materials in newer models.