In shifting focus from DIY computer kit, Kano turns its creative software suite into a standalone business • TechCrunch
Calculator Kano (“Kano”), the risky investment The company best known for DIY computer kits and software for teach coding and TRUNK skills for kids, is launching an innovative software suite and online community platform as an independent business.
The move comes as the UK company is shifting its focus away from native PCs that you assemble yourself in pursuit of profitability and long-term sustainability.
Established outside of London in 2013, Kano has brought various products to market over the years designed to teach computer basics to children. This includes its top Modular PC based on Raspberry Pias well as accessories such as Harry Potter Encoder complete with a physical magic wand that works on most platforms.
Kano’s Harry Potter Wand Image credits: Calculator Kano
Kano has sprung up approximately $45 million in funding over the years, from notable backers including Microsoft which worked with kano for Windows-based PC development in 2019, marking a remarkable start from its Raspberry Pi roots. However, the company seems to have struggled over the past few years, plans to bring Disney-branded products to market and announce a round of layoffs as part of a “restructuring effort”.
At the end of the most recent financial year, Kano report a pre-tax loss of £10.1 million ($12 million) – an improvement on the previous year’s £16.8 million loss, but a loss nonetheless. And although it is still possible to buy some old product once upon a time through AmazonIt is clear that Kano has moved away from the products for which it has been known, towards a set of consumer devices branded “Stem” that expands audio and video.
sell STEM
One over a year ago, Kano teamed up with Kanye West to launch Native Playera musical device that allows the user to separate and remix individual components of a song.
But with West show your opposing colors above more than one occasionkano revealed back in November that it severed ties with the rapper, even though it continued Sell Stem Player are not Western involvement. And earlier this week, Kano Launch of Stem video video projectoralso revealed plans for all sorts of new products ranging from food to clothing.
With Kano heading in a new direction, this has left a core part of the company’s business in limbo. Kano World has been an integral part of Kano’s product since its inception — through an online account, users can create games, animations, and artworks, share them with the Kano community, coordinate Replay other users’ work, participate in challenges, etc.
The platform is designed to bring a little fun and utility to your own computer toolkit, although it can be used independently of Kano hardware.
Code Challenge in Kano World Image credits: World of Kano
Go alone
In the future, Kano World will operate independently as an independent business entity led by the CEO Ollie Dotschwho was formerly head of sales and education at Kano Computing.
Dotsch started her new role in August, just like Kano World. Officially Unified. According to UK Company House submitKano World has 3 main shareholders including co-founder and CEO Kano Alex Klein major share holders, Dotsch and Kano Computing themselves.
In a Q&A with TechCrunch, Dotsch explained that after leading Kano’s Windows PC sales until it sold out in early 2022, he came up with the idea of starting Kano World with the CEO. operating Klein and the company’s board, aware of the fact that Kano is shifting focus.
“Kano Computing is currently working on growing the Stem business,” said Dotsch. “Focusing on Stem will leave Kano World with little or no budget, resources or attention to develop it into the product and business that we believe it can and will be. We alone can now fundraise, build a team, and dedicate ourselves to the success of our vision to empower the creative genius in all young people to create, not just. consume.”
Kano World CEO Ollie Dotsch Image credits: World of Kano
Currently, Kano World forms a team of just three and is fully funded by their three main shareholders, with plans to seek new funding “in the coming months.” And alongside the equity stake, Kano Computing will also act as an incubator shortly, providing office space at its East London Headquarters.
“Extracting Kano World from Kano Computing is complicated and will take time, but we started gradually and once it is done, both companies will be stronger than before,” Dotsch said.
If nothing else, Kano World is trying to retain at least some of Kano’s original “creator and producer” ethos, despite focusing exclusively on the software side of things. Furthermore, this can be seen as a positive step that Kano chose to give Kano World a chance to grow on its own, as it might have been easier to let it slowly die inside Kano or unplug it entirely.
“In this environment, it would make more sense for Kano World to develop outside of Kano Computing, rather than in[side],” Kano Computing Co-Founder and CEO, Alex Klein said in a statement. “Kano World has had many interesting iterations over the years, even capturing the attention of Mark Zuckerberg, who shared a post uses the platform with his children. This spin-off is the next logical step to bring exciting new creative experiences to young people around the world.”
As before, Kano World offers two of its three creative tools — Code Kano and make art — free, includes access to some beginner apps challenges. Premium subscription subscribers, which cost $10 per month or $100 per year, can access pixel movement and a broader set of challenges.
Without giving too much away, Dotsch says it is actively working on building the social community aspect of the platform and its innovative software suite, with premium users able to access new products. first.
The new Kano World company plans to double its headcount to about six by the end of February, according to Dotsch, with further hiring rounds planned in the software development and creative sectors.
