At GITEX Global 2025, TECHx Media spoke with Andy Zhao, Founder and CEO of Valerion, about how his company is reshaping home entertainment with the VisionMaster Max projector. A movie enthusiast turned entrepreneur, Zhao shared insights on Valerion’s technology, global strategy, and ambitions for the Middle East.

TECHx Media: You started Valerion from a personal passion for movies. Can you walk us through the journey from that initial idea to creating a company focused on premium home entertainment solutions?

Andy Zhao: I’ve always been a huge movie fan. I dreamed of having a private home theater, but professional setups were prohibitively expensive. Trying to build one at home sparked the idea for Valerion, to create a premium cinematic experience that’s accessible and easy to set up.

TECHx Media: The VisionMaster Max has received significant attention since its launch. What are the core features or innovations that make it stand out in the crowded projector market?

Andy Zhao: It’s all about combining advanced technology, exceptional image quality, and elegant design. Traditional projectors are often bulky and outdated, but the VisionMaster Max is sleek, lifestyle-oriented, and functional. Some users even call us “the Apple” or “the Aston Martin” of the projector world.

The VisionMaster Max has been recognized by MoMA and raised $10 million on Kickstarter, building a community of over 10,000 engaged users.

TECHx Media: How does the VisionMaster Max elevate the home viewing experience compared to traditional TVs or projectors, and what does this mean for consumers looking for high-end home cinema?

Andy Zhao: We use triple-laser technology, which produces a wider color range than traditional projectors. Our projectors double the color range of standard TVs, creating richer, more vibrant, and realistic images. We’re bringing premium cinematic quality into homes at a fraction of the cost, around $5,000 compared to $15,000 for some high-end models.

TECHx Media: Middle Eastern homes have unique design and lifestyle preferences. How does the VisionMaster Max cater specifically to this region, both in terms of technology and user experience?

Andy Zhao: It’s a global product, but it fits perfectly here. Middle Eastern homes value family and hospitality, so bright, large images are essential for living rooms or majlis. The VisionMaster Max also integrates with Google TV, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and other smart-home systems.

TECHx Media: AI is becoming an important feature in consumer electronics. How does artificial intelligence enhance the functionality of the VisionMaster Max, and what can users expect from this technology in the near future?

Andy Zhao: AI upscales lower-resolution content to 4K for better clarity and detail. In the future, it will also personalize entertainment by learning user preferences and suggesting movies automatically.

TECHx Media: Expanding into new regions comes with challenges. What are Valerion’s strategies for entering the Middle East market, and how are you approaching partnerships with local retailers and integrators?

Andy Zhao: The Middle East is a priority due to high demand for premium technology. We’re partnering with home theater specialists, smart home integrators, and electronics retailers, and are in the process of finalizing a distributor.

TECHx Media: Valerion and AWOL Vision are sometimes mentioned together. Can you clarify how the two brands differ in their approach to projection technology and target audiences?

Andy Zhao: AWOL Vision focuses on ultra-short throw projection for versatile use. Valerion specializes in long-throw, cinema-like experiences, designed for darker settings and true home theater immersion.

TECHx Media: Looking ahead, what can users expect next from Valerion, and how will upcoming products build on the success of the VisionMaster Max?

Andy Zhao: Next year, we’ll launch the VisionMaster Max 2, offering even higher image quality and pushing closer to the best projectors in the world.

TECHx Media: How does Valerion balance delivering cutting-edge technology with understanding and adapting to local tastes and cultural preferences?

Andy Zhao: Each market has unique preferences. We study local insights to adapt designs, ensuring they resonate culturally while delivering cutting-edge technology.

TECHx Media: Sustainability is increasingly important for consumers. What steps has Valerion taken to ensure the VisionMaster Max is energy-efficient and environmentally conscious?

Andy Zhao: The VisionMaster Max is energy-efficient, consuming only 180 watts per hour while projecting up to 300 inches, far less than comparable TVs or projectors.

TECHx Media: Finally, looking at the Middle East specifically, what is your long-term vision for Valerion, and how do you plan to grow your presence in the region?

Andy Zhao: Globally, we aim to transform home entertainment. The Middle East is a key region where we want to provide premium cinematic experiences and expand our community of users who value design, technology, and lifestyle.

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