Loading AI tools
Kano Computing is a global computer hardware and software start-up based in London. The company went into administration in 2023 and the business assets were sold to Alex Klein.
 |
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Alex Klein Saul Klein Yonatan Fridman |
| Defunct | 2023 |
| Headquarters | London, England, UK |
Key people | Alex Klein (CEO) |
| Products | Computers, hardware, educational software |
Number of employees | <50 employees (2021) |
| Website | www |
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.
.jpg)
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.
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]
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]
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]
Wikiwand in your browser!
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
