Kano Splits in Two, Forms a Small New Company for Its Educational Computing Offerings

Once-and-former educational computing specialist Kano is splitting itself in half, with the bulk of the company refocusing on high-end consumer audiovisual electronics — and the education side branching off with just three staff members.

Kano got its start in 2013 when founders Alex and Saul Klein and Yonatan Raz-Fridman developed a kit, somewhat generously billed as "the first computer made by and for the majority [of the] world," which allowed users to put together, use, and program a fully-functional computer based on a Raspberry Pi. The original Computer Kit was followed by a range of other education-focused electronic gadgets, including a camera and an LED matrix, before the company branched further out into licensed properties — including a Windows-based PC developed in partnership with Microsoft and a Harry Potter-themed coding kit.

Now, though, the company has split in two. Techcrunch reports that Kano Computing is moving away from its education focus to concentrate on its consumer electronics products, like the Stem Player portable music ball and the new Stem Video Projector. Those who use Kano World, the company's beginner-friendly programming and art platform, won't be left out in the cold: former head of sale and education Ollie Dotsch is taking it independent, turning Kano World into its own company.

The future of the platform isn't necessarily rosy, though: the newly formed company has just three staff and is entirely self-funded, though its founders say external funding will be sought in the coming months. With Kano Computing reporting a pre-tax loss of around $12 million in 2021 — though with a recorded but as-yet unaudited account showing a profit of around $1.5 million for 2022 - the spin-off may have a long road ahead.

More information on Kano World is available on the official website. Thus far, no new products or services have been announced.