Elko: Brand overview
In 1993, Elko appeared in Riga, Latvia, a company created from scratch by four enterprising IT students. Initially, they focused on assembling and selling computer components in the local market. The company quickly gained momentum when, in 1994, they signed their first distribution agreements with industry titans such as Seagate and Samsung. This important move catalyzed Elko’s rapid growth.
Four years later, in 1998, Elko spread its wings and opened a branch office in Lithuania. This was soon followed by expansion in Ukraine in 1999 and Slovakia in 2000. In 2005, realizing the need for a more structured management model to expand its presence, the company established the holding ELKO Grupa AS. In 2007, Elko took the leading position in Latvian business, exceeding annual revenues of USD 1 billion—a first for a Latvian company.
In 2013, the company entered the Kazakhstan market, and two years later, it was admitted to the prestigious Global Technology Distribution Council. In 2017, the acquisition of Scandinavian distributor Gandalf was the company’s entry point into the lucrative Scandinavian markets. Even amidst the turmoil of a global pandemic, Elko achieved a record revenue of $2.2 billion in 2021.
Today, the company is present in 31 European and Central Asian countries and employs more than 1,100 people. Elko has become one of the region’s most powerful IT and consumer electronics distributors.
Meaning and History
1993 – 2003
2003 – 2018
2018 – today
The ELKO logo features a concise, impactful design that considers every detail carefully. Its style emphasizes geometric precision and clarity of form, reflecting the company’s professionalism and modern approach.
The top line contains the name “ELKO,” written in uppercase letters using a clean, geometric font. The lines of the letters are straight and symmetrical, focusing on angles and balance. The standout feature is the letter “K,” whose right portion is blue. This element resembles an arrow, symbolizing forward movement, progress, and a focus on innovation. This detail adds dynamism to the logo and highlights the brand’s ambition. The letter “E” features a shortened central stroke in the shape of a rectangle that appears to float separately. This design choice adds lightness and originality, emphasizing the company’s differentiation.
The bottom line features the slogan “Grow Smarter,” written in a thin, understated font. Its professional style balances the bold, angular letters in the top line. The text is aligned, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing composition. The color palette combines gray and blue. The primary gray tone conveys stability, reliability, and professionalism, while the bright blue accent adds energy and underscores the company’s innovative focus.
The name evokes associations with technological solutions and a thoughtful business approach. The slogan “Grow Smarter” emphasizes the brand’s core idea: striving for smart and efficient growth through advanced technologies and innovation.
The ELKO emblem is designed in a minimalist style, making it versatile and contemporary. The simplicity of the forms, combined with bold accents, conveys the company’s determination and creates a modern, memorable image.