The Innuos journey began back in 2009, driven by Nuno Vitorino and Amelia Santos, a dynamic Portuguese couple and computer science engineers who graduated from the prestigious Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon. At the time, they were pursuing corporate careers at Deloitte and Tesco in London. Hi-Fi audio was Nuno’s hobby. But then it became serious.
It all started in London: improvised lab at the dining table
As an audiophile, Nuno took pleasure in assembling his audio equipment using off-the-shelf components on the dining table, creating a personal home streaming platform for himself. Nuno used open-source software at the time, unifying different platforms, knowing that this flexibility would also allow to connect other audio devices and create his own personalized audio experience.
Nuno decided to build a device where they could store all their music in digital format so they could hear it on their HiFi in a more convenient way than using a CD player or turntable. At the same time, they were not happy with just a computer or the streaming service App, as they wanted to build a dedicated device that would always be at the ready, letting them dive into their music instantly without needing to boot up a computer or navigate through menus. So, they did!
This project became a source of fascination for the couple’s friends. As Nuno meticulously configured his system, more people started asking about what he was doing, and he started wondering if more people needed that kind of equipment, deciding to test feedback online; after six months, they had sold about 200 units just on eBay.
With each server he assembled, the success in online marketplaces went beyond expectations. There was a gap in the market, so they seized the opportunity. The seed of a future business venture was planted. Amelia, with her INSEAD background, championed Nuno’s side project, making it their joint focus. The couple’s passion for music and the drive to unleash the full potential of digital audio playback spoke louder than their corporate careers.
Crafting a personalized audio experience: a home for innovation in the Algarve
In the UK, the company was first created as LIV Technologies Concepts. Nuno very quickly evolved beyond using readily available parts and towards designing and assembling his own custom components. In 2013, Nuno and Amelia began to develop their own software, electronics and chassis, including the now well-known Innuos fascia design.
That same year, Innuos co-founders decided to return to Portugal and chose the Algarve as their base, believing in the potential of the region for growth beyond tourism and the positive impact the company could have at local level. With an international airport, 300 days of sunshine per year, and the capacity to attract foreign talent, the region has much to offer. With Innuos, the Algarve is also about innovation, research, and development.
In Portugal, Nuno and Amelia started working in the garage of Amelia’s family vacation home in Vila Real de Sto António. They then set up an office in Tavira, where the company was registered, and after a brief period, they moved to Loulé. Currently, Innuos has its headquarters in Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, while maintaining an office in the UK.
Innuos comes to light as a brand: a family of many talents
The release of the ZEN MkII series of music server/streamers in 2016 also marked Innuos brand launch. Nowadays, the facets and angles of minimalistic Innuos elegant fascia designs are a trademark and are easily recognised by audiophiles worldwide.
Innuos is now an established brand. Supported by a dedicated team of almost 50 people from more than 10 different nationalities, Nuno and Amelia pursue the mission of unleashing the magic in music. In Innuos we believe that remarkably high-quality audio and ease-of-use are essential parts of any memorable music experience. Through precise matching of bespoke hardware and in-house developed software, our music servers, streamers, and more continue to prove that digital music sources can still be pushed to new levels.
Growth and award-winning excellence: every detail is important
Since the official launch of the Innuos brand, our products have rapidly gained respect in the new but fast-growing category of components for streaming digital music. Today, our brand is a family of many talents, with an uncommonly wide range of products: music streamers & servers, network music players, audiophile-grade network switch, reclocker, and Linear Power Supply. We have our own research and development department, for which Nuno Vitorino is responsible, developing its own in-house Operating System since 2016 and launching its companion Sense control app in 2020.
Our products have now received more than 100 press awards and highly praised reviews and are available in 47 countries through more than 350 Hi-Fi partner stores worldwide. In China, Taiwan, Australia and Thailand, we work in close partnership with distributors. With new facilities inaugurated in March 2023 in Faro, including a full ESD electronics laboratory to prevent electrostatic discharges and ensure expanded product longevity. Innuos international team is spread throughout the world, with offices in Portugal and the UK and team members placed across Europe and North America.
Sound quality. Ease of use. Excellence. Innovation. Consistency. Attention to detail. Exceptional performance. In-house research and development. Update path and customer-driven support. Sustainability, social responsibility and inclusion. All of these are essential ingredients for the Innuos brand.
Consolidating INNUOS’ brand premium positioning.
Implementing a new manufacturing facility with increased capacity and improved processes.
Strengthening the brand’s positioning in current international markets and expansion into new markets, namely in Asia Pacific.
Expanding and modernizing operations to optimize processes and address new markets.
Improving production, logistic, and product development processes, through digital transition, and integration of Industry 4.0 principles
Expanding LIVTC’s operation, including the creation of new job posts.
Adapting and organizing work environment to new requirements in the context of COVID-19.
Expanding operations in the United Kingdom and Germany.