For hundreds of years, the world has relied on physical color samples and standards to communicate color on a large scale. At Variable, we believe there is a simpler, more accurate,
and affordable way to accomplish this.
That’s why we have spent the past decade developing and perfecting portable colorimeters and spectrophotometers that harness the world’s color libraries in easy-to-use, patented devices that pair with custom developed mobile apps on your smartphone or tablet.
With technology that fits in the palm of your hand, we’re revolutionizing the world of color communication one scan at a time!
Variable was started by George Yu, Ph.D., after he saw a need for an affordable way to choose paint that was easier and more accurate than using paint chip samples and fan decks. With a doctorate degree in chemical sensors and a resume that included working for NASA, Yu set out to build the first portable colorimeter.
Yu believed so strongly in his vision, that he poured his own savings into the project before finding investors to fund the project. Yu developed and built the first prototype and pitched it at a local start-up event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He won first place and launched a Kickstarter campaign simultaneously that brought in $50,000. After that, investors weren’t far behind and the first Variable colorimeters went into production.
At Variable we do it all—literally! From developing the hardware necessary for our state-of-the-art colorimeters and spectrophotometers, to manufacturing and assembling all our devices in-house. Our talented technical staff reduces the need to outsource production and ensures that each unit is built with the same care and precision.
But we don’t stop there. Our team also develops and supports all Variable mobile apps, including apps for partners using our devices under their own brands.
And to make importing color standards for use on our devices streamlined for business around the world, we developed Variable Cloud, a web-based software that allows companies to build and manage their own color libraries. Digital color communication has never been easier.
Everyday we push the limits of what is possible in the world of AI. From our founding, Variable has used innovative color sensory technology, incorporating machine learning into our devices to produce the highest quality portable colorimeters and spectrophotometers on the market. Because this technology had never been used before, Variable now holds 5 patents. And we’re just getting started.