Kobo Clara eReader

Kobo was founded in 2009 in Toronto, Canada, as a spin-off from the bookstore chain Indigo. It was created with the mission to provide a more open electronic reading ecosystem compared to its competitors. The brand quickly gained international traction by partnering with local booksellers worldwide to compete with global tech giants in the e-book market.

In 2012, Kobo was acquired by the Japanese e-commerce and technology conglomerate Rakuten. Under Rakuten’s ownership, the brand has expanded its hardware lineup significantly, introducing waterproof models and, more recently, color E Ink displays like the Clara Colour. While the engineering and software development retain a strong presence in Canada, the physical manufacturing of the devices is primarily outsourced to electronics manufacturing hubs in China.

Today, Kobo serves as a cornerstone of Rakuten's digital content strategy. It operates globally, offering a vast catalog of millions of titles through its integrated bookstore. The Clara line is specifically positioned as a mid-range, compact device, blending portability with advanced features like blue-light reduction and eco-friendly recycled materials.