Kano Computing (“Kano”), a venture-backed company known for its DIY computer kits and software that teaches kids coding and STEM skills, is spinning off an innovative software suite and online community platform as an independent business.
The move comes as the UK company shifts its focus away from its build-your-own PC roots in pursuit of profitability and long-term sustainability.
In the year Founded in 2013 out of London, Kano has marketed a variety of products over the years designed to teach kids how to build computers. It’s full of physical magic that works on most platforms, including mainstream Raspberry Pi-based modular PCs, as well as accessories like the Harry Potter Coding Kit.
Canoe Harry Potter Wand Image credits: Kano Computer
Kano is up. 45 million dollars received from famous supporters in the last decade including Microsoft which one He worked with Kano. Representing a popular rise to make a Windows-based PC in 2019 Roots from Raspberry Pi. However, the company appears to have struggled in recent years, with Disney announcing layoffs as part of a “restructuring effort” to market its branded products.
At the end of the most recent financial year, Kano reported a pre-tax loss of £10.1 million ($12 million) – an improvement on the £16.8 million loss the previous year, but still a loss. Although some of its older products can still be purchased through Amazon, it’s clear that Kano has been moving away from the products it’s known for and toward a collection of audio and video consumer devices known as “Steam.”
STEM sells
A A little over a year ago, Kano partnered with Kanye West to launch a music player called Steam that lets users separate and mix elements of a song.
But after West has repeatedly aired his anti-Semitic tinges, Kano has revealed that he will end his relationship with the rapper in November, though he continues to sell the Steam player. Sans Western participation. And earlier this week, Kano unveiled its Steam video projector, teasing new products that cover everything from food to clothing.
As Kano moves in a new direction, this leaves the core of the business in limbo. Kano World has been an integral part of Kano’s offerings since its inception – an online account where users can create games, animations and art, share with the Kano community, remix other users’ work, participate in challenges, and more. .
While the platform can be used outside of Kano hardware, it’s designed to bring a little fun and utility to your do-it-yourself computer kit.
Code challenge in the world of Kano Image credits: Kano world
He is walking alone.
Going forward, Kano World will go solo as an independent business entity led by CEO Olli Doetsch, formerly head of sales and education at Kano Computing.
Deutsch started his new role in August, just as he joined Kano World on a regular basis. According to UK Companies House records, Kano World has three major shareholders, including Kano’s founder and chief executive Alex Klein, who owns the majority of shares, Deutsch himself, and Kano Computing.
In a Q&A with TechCrunch, Deutsch explained that after leading sales of Canon’s Windows-focused PCs in early 2022, he floated the idea of spinning off Canon World with CEO Klein and the company’s board. Kano was changing his focus.
“Kano Computing is now working to grow the Steam business,” said Deutsch. “STEM’s focus would have left Kano World with no budget, resources or focus to grow the product and business we believe in. Now we can, on our own, raise funds, build a team and commit ourselves to the success of our vision to foster, not just consume, creativity in all young people.”
Kano World CEO Ollie Deutsch Image credits: Kano world
Currently, Kano World consists of only three teams and is fully funded by three major shareholders, with plans to seek new funding “in the coming months”. And in addition to its equity stake, Kano Computing will also occupy office space at its East London headquarters in the short term as an incubator.
“Extracting Kano World from Kano Computing will be complex and time-consuming, but we’ve started the process and once it’s done, we’ll make both companies stronger than before,” said Deutsch.
If nothing else, Kano World is trying to keep at least some of the original Kano’s “creator and maker” ethos, even if it’s only focused on the software side of things. Moreover, it can be seen as a positive step that Kano has chosen to allow Kano’s world to thrive on its own, when it would have been easier to let it die slowly or pull it out completely.
“In this environment, it made more sense for Kano World to grow outside of Kano Computing.[side]” said Alex Klein, founder and CEO of Kano Computing, in a statement. “Kano World has had many exciting iterations over the years, with Mark Zuckerberg using the platform to share a post with kids. This spin-off is the logical next step in providing new exciting creative experiences to young people around the world.”
As before, Kano World offers two of its three creative tools – Kano Code and Make Art – for free, including access to some beginner challenges. Those who subscribe to the premium subscription, which costs $10 per month or $100 per year, can access Pixel Motion and a wider range of challenges.
Without giving too much away, Deutsch said they are actively working to build the social community side of the platform and the innovative software suite, where premium users can access new products.
The new Kano World company plans to double its headcount to six people by the end of February, with plans for continued hiring in its software development and innovation realm, according to Dotsch.
