Our story
is one of a kind

We didn't build Chipolo with strangers we met at a networking event or take cash that came with investor strings attached. Instead, we built everything on our own terms and chose our own path. One paved with real friendship, innovative design, and an unapologetic amount of grit.

By staying independent, we’ve kept our values – and our soul – intact. Turns out, the best ideas aren't born in bland, heartless boardrooms. (Spoiler alert: They start over pizza and beers.)

An extremely rare photo of all seven founders in the same place.
(Yes, the chronically late friend actually made it.)

Six engineers walk
into a bar...

... and end up waiting an hour for the seventh. Back in 2013, our seven founders had a Saturday night ritual: pizza, beers, brainstorming ideas for their projects... and a lot of waiting around. Why? 

One of them was always late and just couldn’t leave his house without misplacing his keys or phone. 

They were actually supposed to be making a board game app that one night. But with their seventh friend stranded at home yet again, they put the game on hold to fix his life first.

This inspired them to think about how to combine hardware and software into a single product. So they ordered another round... and another... and another... until they sketched out the idea for a Chipolo – a small device that could instantly tell you where your keys and phone are.

Over a decade later, we’re still helping millions of friends find their things (so everyone can finally show up on time).

Just another AirTag rip-off?

Could be! Maybe we secretly invented a time machine in 2013, traveled to the future, and stole Apple's idea. You never know.

2012 • The idea

The idea for Chipolo is born over pizza and beers.

2013 • Kickstarter

We launch a Kickstarter campaign as one of the first Bluetooth trackers.

2017 • First wallet tracker

We launch Chipolo CARD, the thinnest tracker on the market at the time.

2019 • Patented alerts

We patent our Out of Range Alerts (early notification with minimized false alerts).

2020 • Ocean edition

We launch our first limited edition tracker made from recycled ocean plastic.

2021 • Apple Find My

ONE Spot becomes one of the first trackers to join Apple Find My. A few weeks later, the first AirTag is launched.

2023 • Google’s Find Hub

ONE Point becomes one of the first trackers to join Google’s Find My Device network (now Find Hub).

2025 • Our best trackers yet

We launch POP, LOOP, and CARD, our first lineup of universally compatible trackers.

Small town, big impact

Chipolo is based in Trbovlje, a small Slovenian town with a rich mining history and a heavy industrial soul. Our founders grew up here, and despite the challenges of having a global reach, staying local wasn't a difficult choice. It’s our way of giving back to the community that shaped us.

We owe our grit to the generations that came before us. Our parents and grandparents worked deep in the local mines and yet always found a way to bring some joy back to the surface. It’s that same defiance – which we locally call the matkurba* spirit – that drives us to build trackers that don’t quit.

VERY IMPORTANT SIDENOTE

*Matkurba: A common, multi-use local cuss word. To us, it represents a no-nonsense attitude and the resilience required to build something great against all odds.

By putting our heart into our work, we get to share that spirit with the world and fix life's little headaches along the way.

Colors are part of our DNA. We made vibrant shades our signature from day one. In a sea of monochrome gadgets, we wanted to bring some playfulness, energy, and fun to everyday tech.

Chip + color = Chipolo*

Yep, colors are built right into our name. But they aren’t just for show. They make it easier to spot your items, too. It’s a practical, intentional design choice. They catch your eye instantly, whether your keys are buried at the bottom of a bag or left behind on a park bench.

* Made you think of Chipotle? Our trackers don’t come with a side of sauce (though the added peace of mind is just as delicious).

Meet us behind the scenes

Chipolo is such a great example of what brands can do to support local talent and a local economy I wish I could bottle it up and spread it amongst other businesses. Everything they do comes from the heart; the team members are all friends, they strive for perfection, and they have retained a rare light-hearted culture making it the kind of business where you wish they would offer you a job.

– Heather Delaney, our PR magician & friend

Everything seems to be over-engineered. Which is such a pleasure. You under-promise and over-deliver. I’s been a pleasant, pleasant surprise. All the way through.

– Steve, Chipolo fan

There’s a small, close-knit and super talented team which handles all of its core operations, research, development, marketing and their now highly acclaimed product and UI design.

– Mark Kavanagh, our Irish soulmate & journalist

For such a clever, innovative company there are absolutely no notions about them, they’re genuine, great craic and feel more like part of our team than a supplier. We’ve built something special together in Ireland, and genuinely feel Chipolo is only getting started.

– Lee Graham, fellow beer lover & distribution partner

The magical formula is the human interaction that you all seem to put first. I remember from the history of the organization, how it was designed by a group of friends and then ramped up from there; it seems to be holding true.

– Steve (yes, same Steve)

I adore all the Bluetooth trackers that Chipolo makes because they are designed by a very passionate team, many of whom were architects.

– Namerah Saud Fatmi, another journalist we admire

In our core, we’re simply family and friends.

– Primož Zelenšek, Chipolo CEO, “The Boss”