LittleBits Electronics

LittleBits Electronics, now part of Sphero, operates within the educational technology and STEAM learning markets. The company was established in September 2011 by Ayah Bdeir, an engineer and interactive artist who graduated from the MIT Media Lab. Her background in computer engineering, sociology, and interactive art, combined with a frustration over the lack of creativity in traditional engineering coursework, directly inspired the company's core concept. Bdeir aimed to democratize hardware by creating a platform that made electronics accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.

The company's foundational product is a library of modular electronic components, known as "Bits," that snap together with magnets, eliminating the need for soldering or complex wiring. These color-coded Bits each have a specific function—such as power, input, or output—allowing users to build and prototype a vast range of inventions, from simple circuits to complex, internet-connected devices using the WiFi-enabled "cloudBit". This modular, interoperable system forms the core of the company's product strategy. The business model is multifaceted, generating revenue primarily through the direct sale of technology kits and components via its official website and retail partners. LittleBits also establishes a significant revenue stream through collaborations with educational institutions, offering tailored solutions and bulk purchasing options for school curricula. Before its acquisition, the company had sold millions of kits across more than 70 countries and was used in over 20,000 schools.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Sphero in August 2019. This transaction, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, created a major player in the educational robotics and electronics space, combining LittleBits' modular electronics with Sphero's robotics expertise. The merged entity holds a portfolio of over 140 patents in robotics, electronics, software, and the IoT. Following the acquisition, Ayah Bdeir departed the company to pursue other ventures. The combined companies serve millions of students and tens of thousands of teachers globally, offering a comprehensive platform of hardware, software, and curriculum tied to educational standards.

Keywords: modular electronics, STEAM education, edtech, electronic building blocks, hands-on learning, open-source hardware, invention kits, educational robotics, circuitry, Ayah Bdeir