The Tuya Smart COO outlined the company’s global strategy to accelerate AI and IoT adoption by building a robust developer ecosystem and partnering with thousands of brands worldwide, despite facing challenges like tariffs and market fluctuations. He also highlighted Tuya’s commitment to innovation and shareholder value through ongoing R&D investment and a significant share buyback program, expressing confidence in the company’s long-term growth.
The Tuya Smart COO discussed the company’s role in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Tuya operates as a global cloud platform, enabling developers and manufacturers worldwide to design and deploy smart devices efficiently. By connecting manufacturers, design houses, engineers, brands, and sales channels, Tuya fosters a robust developer ecosystem that accelerates the integration of AI into physical devices, making IoT more accessible and scalable across industries.
Tuya’s reach is truly global, with over 7,000 brands in more than 100 countries utilizing its platform. The company collaborates with manufacturers in over 12 countries, ensuring a diverse and widespread presence. The COO highlighted that Tuya’s customer base is geographically varied: about 20% of users are in the United States, 15% in China, 16% in other parts of Asia, 12% in Latin America, 3% in Europe, and 5% in Africa and the Middle East. This broad adoption demonstrates the universal appeal and applicability of smart devices powered by AI.
Regarding consumer adoption, the COO noted that while early adopters are often tech enthusiasts, everyday consumers are increasingly embracing AI-driven devices due to their ability to simplify daily life. The company’s recent earnings reflected some softness in demand during the fourth quarter, which was unexpected given typical seasonal trends. However, Tuya anticipates a rebound in 2026, driven by companies’ need to move beyond conservative operations and by the emergence of new product categories integrating AI, which will expand the total addressable market.
The conversation also addressed external challenges such as tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties. The COO explained that while tariffs add costs to international business, the greater issue is the unpredictability of these costs, which complicates pricing and planning. Tuya has worked to stabilize its operations across different countries, allowing for better cost forecasting and strategic decision-making despite ongoing global uncertainties.
Finally, the COO discussed Tuya’s recent share buyback program, which aims to repurchase up to 10% of issued shares. This move is based on the belief that the company’s shares are currently undervalued, and the buyback is intended to enhance shareholder value while maintaining sufficient capital for continued investment in research and development. The COO emphasized the importance of balancing financial strategies with ongoing innovation, expressing confidence in Tuya’s growth prospects and the long-term value of its business model.