littleBits Electronics

littleBits Electronics, now part of Sphero, operates within the educational technology and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) market, providing tools that demystify electronics for learners. The company was established in September 2011 by Ayah Bdeir, an engineer, interactive artist, and an alumna of the MIT Media Lab. Bdeir's background in computer engineering, sociology, and media arts, combined with her passion for the maker movement, directly shaped the company's mission to make hardware accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. She first developed a prototype as an experiment to help designers engage with electronics, debuting it at the Maker Faire in 2009 before officially launching the company two years later.

The company's core business revolves around the sale of its modular electronics kits. The product line consists of small, color-coded circuit boards called "Bits," each with a specific function like light, sound, or sensors. These Bits snap together with magnets, eliminating the need for soldering or complex wiring and allowing users to build and prototype inventions quickly. This modular system enables a vast number of potential combinations, fostering creativity and hands-on learning. The company has released numerous themed kits, including a Space Kit in collaboration with NASA and a Droid Inventor Kit with Disney. In 2014, littleBits introduced the "cloudBit," a module that enables creations to connect to the internet, expanding possibilities into the Internet of Things (IoT).

littleBits' business model is multi-faceted, generating revenue primarily through the direct sale of its kits via its website and retail partners. It also engages in collaborations with educational institutions, offering bulk purchasing options and curricula tailored for schools. The company serves a broad market, from individual consumers and families for at-home learning to K-12 schools, after-school programs, and makerspaces. Its products are designed to be adaptable for various age and skill levels, from elementary school to university. In August 2019, littleBits was acquired by Sphero, another key player in the educational robotics space. This merger combined the strengths of both companies, creating one of the largest entities in the educational STEAM market, with a joint portfolio of over 140 patents. Following the acquisition, founder Ayah Bdeir moved on from the company.

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