The company was founded in October 2008 by Sam Arthur and Alex Spiro with the intention "to publish books that deserved to be printed.
"[5] In January 2012 the company curated the two-week "This Is Not a Pop-Up" event at the Hayward Gallery shop, where-by they hosted musicians, artists and a workshop for children as well as offering their products for sale.
[6] In September 2012 the company attended the Small Press Expo, with co-founder Arthur participating in the panel "British Comics: Does it Translate".
[7] In September 2013, Nobrow opened a New York City office, headed by Creative Director Alex Spiro.
As well as aiding US distribution efforts, the satellite would focus on newly formed relationships with TV and Film studios, who had taken an interest in some of their titles, such as Hilda.