The company describes its mission as helping people “carry, protect, and connect” their technology 7.

1983: Founding

Targus was founded in Barnes, London, in 1983 by Neil Bruce-Copp 5. The company initially focused on the emerging personal computer market and began working with computer manufacturers, including IBM 4. Its first recorded invoice was for £2,098.25 3.

The timing was significant. Personal computers were becoming increasingly common, but there was not yet a mature ecosystem of purpose-built carrying solutions. Targus identified a need for users to transport and protect computers outside the office 3. In 1983, the company introduced what it describes as its original laptop and personal computer carrying case, establishing the product category that would eventually become its signature business 3.

1985–1989: International expansion

Targus rapidly expanded its customer base during this period:

• 1985: Added major customers including Canon and Apple 4.
• 1986: Received a 250-unit Toshiba order for cases for the Toshiba T3100L 2.
• 1987: Opened offices in the United States and Canada 5.
• 1988: Established an Australian operation 5.
• 1989: Expanded into South Africa and entered the US retail consumer market 6.

In 1989, Targus received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, reflecting the company’s growing international business 6.

1990s: Becoming a global accessory company

During the 1990s, Targus expanded its international infrastructure, establishing offices or operations in markets including Taiwan, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Hong Kong 5. In 1995, the company became known as Targus Group International, Inc. 8.

A significant development occurred in 1998 when Targus acquired PORT, expanding its product portfolio 8. Around the same period, it introduced technologies such as the SafePort Sling protection system and DEFCON security products 8. This marked an important transition as Targus moved beyond being solely a laptop bag manufacturer to becoming a broader mobile computing accessory company.

2000s

Targus continued expanding as laptops became increasingly important to both business and consumer markets. A major milestone occurred in 2004 when Targus launched its first docking station 9. It also entered peripheral categories such as Bluetooth mice 9. The docking station business would eventually become one of Targus’s most important technology categories.

In 2005, the company expanded into mobile device accessories, including products designed for Apple’s iPod, while also launching the CityGear range and new protection technologies 8. Over subsequent years, Targus expanded into tablet cases, laptop backpacks, sleeves, computer mice, keyboards, USB accessories, chargers, adapters, privacy screens, security products, docking stations, conferencing equipment and travel accessories 10. The overall strategy was to follow the evolution of mobile computing rather than remain dependent on a single product category.

One of the most significant recent acquisitions was Hyper. In 2021, Targus acquired Sanho Corporation and its Hyper brand 13. Hyper specialised in technology accessories, particularly products aimed at Apple users and mobile professionals, including connectivity, portable power and data storage products. Hyper remains positioned as a distinct brand within the broader Targus portfolio.

Its major product families include:

• HyperDrive: USB-C hubs and docking stations
• HyperJuice: Chargers and portable power
• HyperThin: Cables and connectivity products
• Other Apple-oriented accessories

This acquisition was strategically significant because it strengthened the position of Targus in connectivity and power, particularly among Apple and creative professional users.

In October 2022, Targus announced that it had been acquired by B. Riley Financial, a diversified financial services company. Targus stated at the time that the transaction was intended to support further global expansion and development of the business. Targus continues to operate as a private company rather than a publicly traded standalone corporation.

The product portfolio of Targus can be broadly divided into several categories.

Laptop bags and backpacks

This remains the category most strongly associated with the Targus name. Products include laptop backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, sleeves, attaché cases, travel bags, business bags and fashion-oriented laptop bags. The historical expertise of Targus in protecting laptops remains central to its brand identity 12.

Laptop and tablet protection

Targus produces protective cases for laptops, iPads, tablets and other mobile devices. Some of its protection technologies include SafePort and Dome Protection System designs. The company states that its tablet cases undergo military-grade drop testing, while its laptop products incorporate dedicated protective compartments 14.

Docking stations

Docking stations have become one of the most important technology categories for Targus. A Targus dock allows a laptop to connect to multiple peripherals through a single connection, including monitors, Ethernet, USB devices, keyboards, mice, audio equipment, storage and power 4. This makes Targus particularly relevant to enterprise IT departments and hybrid workers. Targus states it has deployed more than 3 million universal docking stations across more than 12,000 organisations, and that more than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies use Targus products 4.

Hubs, adapters and connectivity

Targus sells USB-C hubs, display adapters, USB adapters, Ethernet adapters, cables, multi-port docks and video connectivity products. The company’s 2026 lineup includes USB-C and USB4 docks supporting features such as high-speed data transfer, multi-display configurations and high-power USB-C charging 14.

Computer peripherals

The accessories portfolio includes keyboards, mice, presentation devices, privacy screens, web and conferencing accessories, headsets and related workplace peripherals.

Security products

Targus has developed physical security products for computers, including its DEFCON product family. These products are particularly relevant to businesses and organisations concerned with securing laptops in offices, public spaces and hybrid working environments.

Targus has historically differentiated itself through a mixture of physical protection and practical workplace technology.

SafePort

SafePort is a family of protective technologies designed to cushion and protect laptops and other devices inside bags and cases.

EcoSmart

EcoSmart is the sustainability-focused product platform of Targus. Many EcoSmart bags incorporate recycled materials, including material derived from recycled plastic bottles 13.

DEFCON

DEFCON is the family of physical security products for computers produced by Targus.

Docking technology

Targus has invested heavily in universal docking, allowing computers from different manufacturers and operating systems to be integrated into standardised workspaces 14.

MiraLogic

Targus has moved into smart workplace management, including its MiraLogic platform for connected docking and workspace intelligence. Its MiraLogic Connect technology received a CES Innovation Award for sustainability 11.

Sustainability has become a prominent part of the modern corporate strategy of Targus. The company released its first global sustainability report in 2022, aligning its sustainability roadmap with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The approach of Targus includes:

• Recycled materials
• EcoSmart products
• Reducing supply chain environmental impact
• Measuring greenhouse gas emissions
• Circular product design
• Sustainable packaging and materials
• Renewable energy initiatives
• Longer-term carbon reduction goals

In 2026, Targus released its latest Global Sustainability Report, outlining progress in circular product design, sustainable innovation and environmental accountability, with a roadmap extending through 2030. The company has also stated a longer-term ambition towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

As of 2026, Targus is considerably broader than the company that became famous for laptop bags. Its current strategy can be summarised as “Carry → Protect → Connect”, addressing the entire mobile work ecosystem. The 2026 product portfolio includes new travel backpacks, protective products, USB-C and USB4 docking solutions, connectivity accessories and other workplace technology.

Targus also continues to develop the Hyper brand, which provides additional exposure to USB-C, Thunderbolt, portable power, GaN charging, Apple accessories, SSD and storage connectivity, and creator-oriented products. The 2026 portfolio of Hyper includes USB4 products, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, solid-state power banks and advanced trackpad technology.

Targus occupies a distinctive position in the technology market because it is not primarily a computer manufacturer. Instead, it sits between the computer and the user. For example, where laptop manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo or Apple provide the device, Targus provides the bag, protection, dock, keyboard, mouse, privacy screen and connectivity solutions that link the device to the workplace environment of monitors, Ethernet, peripherals and desk setups.

This makes Targus particularly relevant to business professionals, enterprise IT departments, students, commuters and hybrid workers. The strongest historical association of the company remains laptop protection, but docking and connectivity have become increasingly important. Targus describes itself as a global leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, while its current materials emphasise its position in docking and workplace connectivity 15.

The brand of Targus has traditionally emphasised four attributes:

Protection

Protecting expensive electronic devices during transportation and everyday use.

Functionality

Products are generally designed around practical problems rather than purely aesthetic considerations.

Mobility

The company was built around the idea that computers would increasingly be used away from traditional offices.

Professionalism

Targus has historically focused heavily on business users and mobile professionals, although its modern products also target students, consumers, creators and general users 16.

These attributes explain why a typical Targus product tends to emphasise durability, organisation, ergonomics, device compatibility and workplace functionality.

The broader portfolio of Targus now includes several recognisable names:

The primary competitive advantage of Targus is its long history with mobile computing. The company was already making computer carrying cases in 1983, long before laptops became ubiquitous. Rather than entering the accessory market after smartphones and laptops became mainstream, Targus effectively grew alongside the mobile computing industry.

Its evolution can be viewed as follows:

• 1980s: Computer carrying cases
• 1990s: Laptop protection and security
• 2000s: Laptop bags, mobile device accessories and docking
• 2010s: Backpacks, tablets, docks, peripherals and sustainability
• 2020s: Hybrid work, enterprise docking, connectivity, smart workplaces and sustainable products
• 2026: Mobile work ecosystem covering carrying, protection, connectivity, power and workplace productivity

Targus is to computer accessories what a traditional luggage company is to travel equipment, but with a much stronger technology focus. Its historical identity is built around the laptop bag, but the modern company is much broader. Targus now competes across several overlapping markets including laptop and tablet protection, business bags and backpacks, computer peripherals, USB-C connectivity, docking stations, workplace IT equipment, device security, portable power and sustainable technology accessories.

The most significant transformation of the company has been from a “laptop bag company” into a broader “mobile technology infrastructure and accessories company”. That evolution is especially visible in its current product strategy: instead of simply helping users carry a laptop, Targus increasingly aims to help them carry, protect, connect, power and manage their technology wherever they work.

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2. Targus (company) – Wikipedia
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4. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
5. Targus (company) – Wikipedia
6. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
7. Company Information – Targus
8. Targus (company) – Wikipedia
9. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
10. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
11. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
12. Targus Story
13. About Targus | Innovating Laptop Bags & Tech Accessories
14. Company Information – Targus
15. Targus Story
16. Targus Story