Kopin Corporation (KOPN): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the company behind some of the most advanced display and optical solutions in defense, industrial, and consumer products? Kopin Corporation (KOPN) might just be the name you're looking for. With a 26% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $13.3 million in Q3 2024, and a remarkable 109% surge in defense product revenues, Kopin is making significant strides in the industry. Intrigued to learn more about their journey, ownership structure, and how they're shaping the future of microdisplays and optical systems? Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of Kopin Corporation.

Kopin Corporation (KOPN) History

Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was established in 1984.

Original location

The company's original location was in Massachusetts.

Founding team members

The founding team members included:

• Dr. John C.C. Fan
• Dr. John J. Wrigley
• Dr. B. Fan

Initial capital/funding

The initial funding was approximately $2.8 million in venture capital.

Evolution Milestones

Transformative Moments

• 1992 IPO: The Initial Public Offering was a transformative moment, providing capital for expansion and technology development.
• CyberDisplay Technology: The development of CyberDisplay technology in the 1990s was a breakthrough, establishing the company as a leader in microdisplay technology.
• Expansion into Military and Industrial Markets: Entering the military and industrial sectors provided stable revenue streams and opportunities for growth.
• Focus on Wearable Technology and Augmented Reality: Recognizing the potential of wearable technology and augmented reality, the company strategically shifted its focus to these emerging markets.
• Lightning OLED Microdisplay: The introduction of the Lightning OLED microdisplay marked a significant advancement in display technology, catering to the demands of AR/VR applications.

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Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Ownership Structure

Kopin Corporation's ownership is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders. This structure reflects a publicly traded company where ownership is spread across a diverse investor base.

Kopin Corporation's Current Status

Kopin Corporation is a publicly traded company, meaning its shares are available for purchase on the open market. It is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol KOPN.

Kopin Corporation's Ownership Breakdown

Information regarding exact real-time ownership percentages can fluctuate and is typically detailed in the company's SEC filings, such as 10-K and 10-Q reports. However, based on the latest available data, here is a general overview of the ownership breakdown:

For more detailed insights into the ownership structure and major shareholders, consider exploring: Exploring Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Kopin Corporation's Leadership

Kopin Corporation's leadership team is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the company's operations. Key members of the leadership team as of April 2025 include:

• Michael Murray: Chief Executive Officer
• Richard Sneider: Chief Financial Officer

Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Mission and Values

The company's mission is to be the leading provider of innovative display solutions for defense, enterprise, industrial, and consumer products. The company values innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, and teamwork.

[Company's] Core Purpose

Official mission statement

While a specific, concise mission statement for Kopin Corporation isn't readily available in public sources, we can infer their core purpose from their activities and statements. Kopin focuses on creating innovative micro-displays and related technologies for a variety of sectors, including defense, enterprise, industrial, and consumer applications. Their mission revolves around:

• Providing cutting-edge display solutions.
• Enhancing user experiences through advanced technology.
• Meeting the specific needs of their diverse customer base.

Vision statement

Similarly, a formal vision statement for Kopin isn't explicitly published. However, their vision can be understood as:

• Pioneering advancements in micro-display technology.
• Becoming the preferred supplier of display solutions for critical applications.
• Expanding the use of their technology into new markets and industries.

Company slogan/tagline

Based on available information, Kopin Corporation does not have a widely publicized official slogan or tagline. However, considering their focus, a possible unofficial tagline could be:

• 'Enhancing Vision Through Innovation.'

To delve deeper into the company's mission and vision, explore Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Kopin Corporation (KOPN).

Kopin Corporation (KOPN) How It Works

Kopin Corporation specializes in creating innovative wearable technologies, particularly microdisplays, display subassemblies, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for military, enterprise, industrial, and consumer products.

Kopin Corporation's Product/Service Portfolio

Kopin Corporation's Operational Framework

Kopin operates through close collaboration with its customers to understand their specific needs and design custom solutions. The company's key operational aspects include:

• Design and Development: Kopin invests heavily in research and development to create cutting-edge microdisplay and ASIC technologies.
• Manufacturing: While Kopin does have some internal manufacturing capabilities, they primarily utilize external foundries and manufacturing partners to produce their products at scale.
• Sales and Marketing: Kopin works directly with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and system integrators to incorporate their microdisplays and subassemblies into a wide range of products.
• Technical Support: The company provides extensive technical support to help customers integrate and optimize Kopin's products in their applications.

Furthermore, Kopin generates revenue through:

• Product Sales: Direct sales of microdisplays, display subassemblies, and ASICs.
• Licensing: Licensing of its technology and intellectual property.
• Government Contracts: Contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies for specialized display solutions.

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Kopin Corporation's Strategic Advantages

Kopin's strategic advantages stem from its technological expertise and established market position:

• Proprietary Technology: Kopin holds numerous patents related to its microdisplay and ASIC technologies, providing a competitive edge.
• Custom Solutions: The ability to design custom solutions tailored to specific customer requirements sets Kopin apart from competitors offering off-the-shelf products.
• Established Relationships: Long-standing relationships with key customers in the military, industrial, and enterprise markets provide a stable revenue stream.
• Strong Brand Reputation: Kopin has a reputation for high-quality, reliable products, which is essential in demanding applications such as military and medical devices.
• Focus on Innovation: Kopin's ongoing investment in R&D ensures it remains at the forefront of wearable technology and microdisplay innovation.

Kopin Corporation (KOPN) How It Makes Money

Kopin Corporation primarily generates revenue through the design, development, manufacture, and sale of innovative wearable technologies and display solutions.

Kopin Corporation's Revenue Breakdown

Kopin Corporation's Business Economics

Kopin's business economics are influenced by several factors, including:

• Pricing Strategies: Kopin employs various pricing strategies depending on the product and market. For defense contracts, pricing may be based on cost-plus or fixed-price agreements. For industrial and enterprise products, pricing is often determined by the value provided to the customer, considering factors like performance, reliability, and integration costs.
• Economic Fundamentals: The broader economic environment and specific industry trends play a crucial role. Increased defense spending, demand for wearable technology in industrial and medical sectors, and advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies all contribute to Kopin's revenue potential.
• Supply Chain Management: Efficient supply chain management is vital for maintaining profitability. Kopin relies on a global network of suppliers for components and materials. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as those caused by geopolitical events or natural disasters, can impact production costs and delivery timelines.
• Research and Development (R&D) Investments: Continuous investment in R&D is essential for Kopin to maintain its competitive edge. Developing new and improved display technologies, enhancing product performance, and expanding into new markets requires significant R&D expenditures.

Kopin Corporation's Financial Performance

Key aspects of Kopin's financial performance include:

• Revenue Growth: In 2024, Kopin reported total revenues of $49.2 million, an increase of 24% compared to $39.8 million in 2023. This growth reflects increased demand for their defense and industrial products.
• Gross Margin: The gross margin for 2024 was 36.4%, compared to 31.7% for 2023. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a higher percentage of defense product revenue, which has higher margins.
• Operating Expenses: Operating expenses for 2024 totaled $26.3 million, compared to $27.2 million in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to lower R&D expenses.
• Net Loss: Kopin reported a net loss of $8.4 million for 2024, compared to a net loss of $15.1 million for 2023. The reduced net loss was driven by higher revenues and improved gross margins.
• Cash Position: As of December 30, 2024, Kopin had cash and equivalents of $24.4 million.

To gain more detailed insights into Kopin Corporation's financial standing, click here: Breaking Down Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Market Position & Future Outlook

Kopin Corporation is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for microdisplays in defense, industrial, and consumer applications. With a focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, Kopin aims to expand its market share and drive future growth. More insights can be found at: Breaking Down Kopin Corporation (KOPN) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Kopin Corporation holds a significant position in the microdisplay industry, particularly within the defense sector. The company's strengths include:

• Technological Innovation: Kopin continues to innovate in microdisplay technology, offering high-resolution, low-power solutions.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with major defense contractors provide a stable revenue stream and market access.
• Niche Market Focus: Specialization in specific applications like military and industrial enhances its competitive edge.