Raspberry Pi, the technology firm known for its affordable minicomputers, is preparing to list on the London Stock Exchange. Founded over a decade ago, the company originated from an initiative to address the decline in computer science applications at Cambridge University. Its co-founder, Jack Lang, initially stored the first batch of single-board devices in his garage.
Launched in 2012, the Raspberry Pi is a $35 (£28) minicomputer designed to be durable and portable, running the Linux operating system. Since its release, approximately 60 million units have been sold globally, and the device is utilized in various industries, including electric vehicle charging.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation, established in 2008, aims to spark children's interest in computer science through coding clubs and educational programs, reaching over 100 countries. Eben Upton, now the CEO, and a team of engineers and computer scientists from Cambridge played key roles in developing the Pi. Upton was inspired by the BBC Micro, a computer he used in school, and over weekends and evenings, he worked on developing the Pi while employed at Broadcom, which also provided the chip.
The production of the Raspberry Pi, initially done in China, moved to a Sony factory in South Wales in 2012. The factory is highly automated, with 300 employees overseeing the operations.
One of the founders, Jack Lang, passed away last month at the age of 76. He was a pivotal figure in the Cambridge tech entrepreneurship scene. Other notable founders include Peter Lomas, Alan Mycroft, Robert Mullins, and David Braben.
The Pi was originally intended to support the Python programming language, reflecting in its name, which also pays homage to other computer companies like Apple. The foundation partners with the National Centre for Computing Education in England, supporting computing education at various school levels.