People of a certain age may not remember learning how to turn a computer on and take the initial steps toward using it. But they sure do recall "The Oregon Trail" and that fording the river is always a risky prospect.
So perhaps adding some childish delight would also help today's kids learn how to code without making it feel like a dreaded topic.
That's where Pi-top comes in. The London-based company, which has offices in Austin and Shenzhen, China, uses a neon green laptop with a small tray full of robot components and customized software to help kids engage with early- and mid-level coding lessons.
On Friday, the company announced it has closed a $16 million round of funding to continue expanding its product and help find schools that want to use it. The investment round was led by Hambro Perks and Committed Capital, and it brings the startup's overall funding to $22.5 million since its founding in 2014.
Pi-top's computers and software are used in more than 2,000 schools globally. The company has about 80 employees spread across its three offices. Its latest learning system includes curriculum and content in addition to the core software and hardware.
“The program includes a 3-year contract with subscription prices ranging from $10,000 - $15,000 per year," Pi-top co-founder and CEO Jesse Lozano said in a news release. "This represents industry disrupting prices of just $10 - $20 per student per year to enable schools to implement a complete computer science and STEAM program. Our goal is to provide schools, districts and governments with all they need to deliver the best learning outcomes possible, preparing students to be active and engaged contributors to a modern society and workforce.”
