Kano Computing

Last updated

Kano Computing Ltd.
Company type Private
Industry Technology
Founded2013;11 years ago (2013)
FounderAlex Klein
Saul Klein
Yonatan Fridman
Defunct2023
Headquarters London, England, UK
Key people
Alex Klein
(CEO)
Products Computers, hardware, educational software
Number of employees
<50 employees (2021)
Website www.kano.tech

Kano Computing is a London-based startup that specializes in computer hardware and software. Founded in January 2013, the company focuses on creating educational kits that utilize Raspberry Pi single-board computers to teach STEM subjects to children. Kano Computing is known for its innovative approach to technology education and has gained recognition for its products and initiatives in the tech industry.

Contents

The company garnered recognition for its innovative approach, securing funding through crowdfunding campaigns and a £14 million investment from HSBC. Collaborations with Kanye West and Novak Djokovic highlighted Kano's impact in the tech and education sectors. Awards and accolades include Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies list, Time's Invention of the Year awards, and industry honors like the Golden Lion at the Cannes Lions global marketing awards.

History

Kano was founded in January 2013 by Alex Klein, son of Getty Images co-founder Jonathan Klein; his cousin, Saul Klein, a major tech venture capitalist; and Yonatan Raz-Fridman. The company's name originated from Kanō Jigorō, the creator of judo. [1] Kano was a computing company that sold kits consisting of Raspberry Pi single-board computers and various accessories for teaching STEM, computing, and robotics to children.

Products

A Kano Computer Kit in box Kano-Computer-Kit (cropped).jpg
A Kano Computer Kit in box

In August 2013, Kano launched an initial Kano Computer Prototype box. It consisted of a small USB keyboard, several prototype booklets, a case, a Raspberry Pi 1, and an SD card loaded with an early version of the Raspbian OS. All 200 prototypes released were sold. [2]

In 2014, the firm launched the Kano Computer Kit, an educational computer kit to teach hardware assembly and basic programming skills. [3] It was built on Raspberry Pi circuit boards and the company's custom open-source operating system, Kano OS. [4]

In 2018, the firm partnered with Warner Bros to release an electronic Harry Potter wand . [5] The aim, according to the firm, Kano, was "to teach...the basics of languages like JavaScript, ." [5]

Also in 2018, the firm released motion sensor kits with Frozen and Star Wars themes in a multi-year partnership with Disney. [6] The USB motion sensor detects movement in front of the sensor's receptacle and users were given the ability to program objects based on the motion used above the device. [6]

In 2019, the company partnered with Microsoft to release the Kano PC, a laptop and tablet pre-loaded with both Windows 10 and Kano's educational tools. [7] Later in 2019, Kano launched its first educational subscription, Kano Club, where users can access programming and animation software, lessons and tutorials online. The service also includes a multiplayer component, and a community section. [8]

Kano launched a line of computer accessories in 2020 to coincide with its Kano PC release. These included a mouse, headphones and webcam. In October 2021, the firm began shipping of the Stem Player in partnership with Yeezy Tech and Kanye West.

In June 2023, Kano Computing went into administration, [9] and its assets were sold [10] to Ashdust LLP, a company connected to Kano Computing’s CEO, Alex Klein.

Under Ashdust LLP, the company continues its operations and intends to launch new products [11] under the Stem brand, including the Stem2 Speaker and Stem3 Projector.

Funding

Kano launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter platform in November 2013. The company raised over $1.5 million from 13,387 backers, at the time becoming the crowdfunding service's largest learning campaign. [12] Initial backers of the Kano were users from over 80 countries . [13]

Kano pixel, camera, and speaker kits Kano pixel, camera, and speaker kits.jpg
Kano pixel, camera, and speaker kits

In 2016, Kano initiated a second Kickstarter campaign to fund products including a pixel art kit, motion sensor and webcam. The campaign generated $643,030 from 2,399 backers [14]

In April 2019, Kano announced a £14 million funding package from HSBC. [15]

Alex Klein served as the company's chief executive officer (CEO).

In January 2019, American musician and businessman Kanye West met Alex Klein during a chance encounter at the CES technology show in Las Vegas. [16]

Through early 2019, the company was said to have been collaborating with West on an undisclosed technology product, later revealed in August 2021 to be the Donda Stem Player. [17] [18]

In November 2019, CEO Klein contributed lyrics to the Jesus is King track Water. [19]

In October 2021, Kano began shipping the Donda Stem Player. [18]

In January 2023, in light of West’s antisemitic remarks, Kano announced that their collaboration with West has ended, and that the Donda Stem Player would be discontinued. [20]

Recognition

In October 2016, the company began to work with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic and his charitable foundation to deliver computer kits to Serbian children. [21]

In 2019, Kano was ranked number 24 on Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies list. [22] The company also received Time's Invention of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019. [23] In 2014, the company was awarded a Golden Lion at the Cannes Lions global marketing awards. [24] They were also the recipient of a Webby Award [25] and a CES Award in 2015 and 2018 respectively. [26]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Braben</span> British video game developer, designer and CEO

David John Braben is an English video game developer and designer, founder and President of Frontier Developments, and co-creator of the Elite series of space trading video games, first published in 1984. He is also a co-founder of and works as a trustee for the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which in 2012 launched a low-cost computer for education.

<i>Custom PC</i> UK-based computer magazine

Custom PC was a UK-based computer magazine originally published by Dennis Publishing Ltd and subsequently sold to Raspberry Pi Trading Ltd. It was aimed at PC hardware enthusiasts, covering topics such as modding, overclocking, and PC gaming. The first issue was released in October 2003 and it was published monthly until the final issue, number 235, was released in February 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Randy Pitchford</span> American businessman, co-founder, president and CEO of Gearbox Software

Randall Steward Pitchford II is an American businessman. He co-founded the video game development studio Gearbox Software in 1999 and was president and CEO for the company until 2021, upon which he became CEO and president of Gearbox's parent company, The Gearbox Entertainment Company. In 2016, Pitchford became the owner of the Academy of Magical Arts publication Genii magazine. Pitchford purchased the Hollywood Magic Castle in April 2022.

Dexter Industries is a company that designs robots for education, research, and personal use. The company makes several products that expand the LEGO Mindstorms, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino prototype systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyboard computer</span> Type of personal computer

A keyboard computer is a computer which contains all of the regular components of a personal computer, except for a screen, in the same housing as the keyboard. The power supply is typically external and connects to the computer via an adapter cable. The motherboard is specially designed to fit inside, and the device is larger than most standard keyboards. Additional peripheral devices such as a monitor are connected to the computer via external ports. Usually a minimum of storage devices, if any, is built in.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raspberry Pi</span> Series of low-cost single-board computers

Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed in the United Kingdom. The original Raspberry Pi computer was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in association with Broadcom. Since 2012, all Raspberry Pi products have been developed by Raspberry Pi Ltd, which began as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Foundation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raspberry Pi Foundation</span> British charity, producer of the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, as well as an England and Wales company limited by guarantee. It was founded in 2009 to promote the study of computer science. It is part of a group that comprises legal entities in India, Ireland, and the United States, which carry out educational activities in those jurisdictions; and Raspberry Pi Ltd, a commercial subsidiary that develops Raspberry Pi computers and other hardware. The foundation’s charitable activities are funded through a combination of Gift Aid from the profits of Raspberry Pi Ltd, contracts for the delivery of educational services e.g. professional development for teachers, and donations from individuals, foundations, and other organisations.

Map Project Office is an industrial design studio based in Central London, working with both major brands and start-ups in the consumer technology space. The studio works with abstract technologies in the artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the IoT sectors, creating accessible experiences for the end user.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pico Technology</span> British manufacturer

Pico Technology is a British manufacturer of high-precision PC-based oscilloscopes and automotive diagnostics equipment, founded in 1991. Their product range includes the PicoScope line of PC-based oscilloscopes, data loggers, automotive equipment, and most recently, handheld USB-based oscilloscopes. Since their inception in 1991, Pico Tech has been researching and developing PC-based oscilloscopes, when the market standard was analogue storage oscilloscopes. Pico Technology is one of two European scope manufacturers, and competes in the low to middle end of the instrumentation market.

CHIP was a single-board computer crowdfunded by now-defunct Next Thing Co. (NTC), released as open-source hardware running open-source software. It was advertised as "the world's first $9 computer". CHIP and related products are discontinued. NTC has since gone insolvent.

Endless Mobile, Inc. is an American information technology company that develops the Linux-based operating system Endless OS and reference platform hardware for it. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in San Francisco, California, U.S. with an additional office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pine Store Limited, doing business as Pine64, is a Hong Kong–based organization that designs, manufactures, and sells single-board computers, notebook computers, as well as smartwatch/smartphones. Its name was inspired by the mathematical constants π and e with a reference to 64-bit computing power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie Anne Philbin</span> Director of Educator Support at the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Carrie Anne Philbin is an English teacher of computer science and an author. She is a director of educator support at the Raspberry Pi Foundation and chairs the Computing At School (CAS) diversity and inclusion group, #CASInclude. She wrote the computing book Adventures in Raspberry Pi (2013) for teenagers. She runs the YouTube channel Geek Gurl Diaries and in 2017, was the host for Crash Course Computer Science.

Ivan Cash is an American interactive artist, filmmaker, and speaker. His work celebrates human connection and explores themes of belonging in the 21st century. In 2016, Cash was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Artist, and in 2018 was appointed a member of the USPS Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.

<i>Donda</i> 2021 studio album by Kanye West

Donda is the tenth studio album by American rapper Kanye West. It was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings on August 29, 2021. The album features a broad range of guest performances from artists, including The Weeknd, Jay-Z, Marilyn Manson, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Baby Keem, Playboi Carti, Jay Electronica, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Ty Dolla Sign, Fivio Foreign, Lil Durk, Pop Smoke, the Lox, Shenseea, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Young Thug, among others; as well as vocals from Chris Brown were also included prior to the album being updated. Its deluxe version features guest vocals from André 3000, Tyler, the Creator, and KayCyy. West himself, as well as BoogzDaBeast, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, and Ojivolta primarily helmed the album's production. West recorded much of the material at multiple locations in the summer of 2021, including Bighorn Mountain Ranch in Wyoming and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Home Assistant</span> Home automation software

Home Assistant is free and open-source software used for home automation. It serves as an integration platform and smart home hub, allowing users to control smart home devices. The software emphasizes local control and privacy and is designed to be independent of any specific Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Its interface can be accessed through a web-based user interface, by using companion apps for Android and iOS, or by voice commands via a supported virtual assistant, such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Home Assistant's own "Assist" using natural language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ZX Spectrum Next</span> Remake of a popular microcomputer

The ZX Spectrum Next is an 8-bit home computer, initially released in 2017, which is compatible with software and hardware for the 1982 ZX Spectrum. It also has enhanced capabilities. It is intended to appeal to retrocomputing enthusiasts and to "encourage a new generation of bedroom coders", according to project member Jim Bagley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stem Player</span> Audio remix and streaming device

The Stem Player is an audio remix device and music streaming platform developed by British technology company Kano Computing in collaboration with American artist Kanye West. The device was launched in August 2021 in conjunction with the release of his 10th studio album Donda.

Donda 2 is a demo album by the American rapper Kanye West. Although unfinished, it was exclusively released on the Stem Player, with four songs made available on February 23, 2022, and additional songs later included in updates, the first of which were added the following day. West began the recording and production of the album in early January 2022, continuing into the next month. It was preceded by the singles "Eazy" and "City of Gods", released in January and February 2022 respectively—both of which peaked within the top 50 of the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thumby (console)</span> Miniature keychain sized game console

The Thumby is a small keychain-sized programmable game console produced by TinyCircuits of Akron, Ohio and funded by a Kickstarter campaign. The console measures 1.2 by 0.7 by 0.3 inches.

References

  1. ↑ Kickstarter.com: Kano: A computer anyone can make. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Kano computer kit by MAP". Dezeen. 19 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Kano Ships Its First 18,000 Learn-To-Code Computer Kits, Fueled By $1.5M Kickstarter".
  4. ↑ Browne, Ryan (4 December 2018). "Meet the 28-year-old who wants building computers and coding to be as easy as playing with Lego". CNBC.
  5. 1 2 "Harry Potter Will Help Kids Learn to Code With U.K. Startup Kano". Bloomberg News . 24 July 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Kano's coding kits teach your kids how to build their own computers using characters from Frozen 2, Star Wars and Harry Potter". Expert Reviews. 18 November 2019.
  7. ↑ Lee, Dami (19 June 2019). "Microsoft and Kano are launching a build-your-own Windows 10 PC kit". The Verge.
  8. ↑ "What is JAMS? How You Can Create, Compete & Learn Together". Team Kano Medium. 11 March 2021.
  9. ↑ Bayram, Sheniz (12 June 2023). "Appointment of Administrators". The Gazette.
  10. ↑ Batty, William Anthony (16 June 2023). "Form AMO3, Administrators notice of Proposal". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk.
  11. ↑ Peters, Jay (9 January 2023). "The makers of the Stem Player made a small projector that's Kanye West-free". The Verge. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  12. ↑ "The $99 Kid's Computer Kit Kano Is About to Hit $1M on Kickstarter".
  13. ↑ Mirani, Leo (17 December 2013). "Steve Wozniak just backed a DIY computer on Kickstarter—and so have 12,000 others". Quartz.
  14. ↑ @jimmy_wales (3 October 2016). "Simple kits to make & code – cameras, speakers, pixels, sensors. @TeamKano @Kickstarter NOW http://kck.st/2doYZ0x" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ↑ Hurley, James (31 August 2023). "Kano plugs into more cash for expansion" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
  16. ↑ Margolis, Jonathan (3 January 2020). "Start-ups can benefit from moneyed tech enthusiasts as patrons". Financial Times– via www.ft.com.
  17. ↑ Setaro, Shawn. "How a Tech CEO Ended Up Writing Lyrics on Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King'" – via www.complex.com.
  18. 1 2 Dredge, Stuart. "Kanye West launches a $200 Donda Stem Player with Kano".
  19. ↑ Yoo, Noah (25 October 2019). "Here Are the Full Credits for Kanye's New Album Jesus Is King: Clipse, Kenny G, and More" – via www.pitchfork.com.
  20. ↑ Peters, Jay (9 January 2023). "The makers of the Stem Player made a small projector that's Kanye West-free". The Verge. Retrieved 9 January 2023. I asked if Ye was a part of the project at all. Klein told me that Ye was not involved with the projector and that the company's collaboration with the rapper, which included making the Stem Player the exclusive home of Donda 2, has ended.
  21. ↑ @DojokerNole (25 October 2016). "This is such a great initiative! Can't wait to put together my first computer!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  22. ↑ "The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2019". Fast Company.
  23. ↑ "Kano PC: The 100 Best Inventions of 2019". Time.
  24. ↑ "Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Award Winners Overview 2014". www.adforum.com.
  25. ↑ "NEW Webby Gallery + Index". NEW Webby Gallery + Index.
  26. ↑ "Kano Camera Kit | Best of CES 2018: A Glimpse of Brilliant, Necessary and/or Totally Crazy Technologies to Come". The Wall Street Journal.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.