Pimoroni

Pimoroni Ltd. is a Sheffield-based electronics manufacturer and online retailer catering to the hobbyist, educator, and creative communities. Founded in 2012 by Jon Williamson and Paul Beech, the company's genesis is directly linked to the burgeoning Raspberry Pi ecosystem. Paul Beech designed the official logo for the Raspberry Pi, and shortly after, he and Williamson launched Pimoroni with their first product: the Pibow, a distinctive, multi-layered acrylic case for the computer. This initial success set the stage for the company's expansion from a small operation into a significant player in the maker market.

The company's business model combines in-house manufacturing with curated retail. Revenue is generated through direct-to-consumer sales via its online store, wholesale distribution to over 100 partners worldwide, and custom product development for corporate clients like Google and Microsoft. Pimoroni operates its own state-of-the-art PCB production lines in Sheffield, enabling agile development and manufacturing of its proprietary electronics. This vertical integration allows for control over quality and design, a key aspect of their brand. Beyond manufacturing, Pimoroni serves as a major reseller for other prominent brands in the maker space, including Adafruit, SparkFun, and micro:bit.

Pimoroni's product portfolio is extensive, focusing on accessories and add-on boards for single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi and micro:bit. A notable product line is the HATs (Hardware Attached on Top), which are expansion boards that add functionality such as sensors, displays, and motor control to the Raspberry Pi. Their offerings range from beginner-friendly kits like the Picade, a desktop arcade machine kit that was the UK's first Kickstarter campaign, to more advanced components like the HyperPixel high-resolution displays and various RP2040-based microcontroller boards. The company also develops open-source code and tutorials to lower the barrier of entry into electronics and programming for its target audience of makers, educators, and tinkerers.

Keywords: Raspberry Pi accessories, maker electronics, hobbyist electronics, Paul Beech, Jon Williamson, Pibow case, Sheffield UK, electronics manufacturing, Adafruit reseller, micro:bit add-ons, HAT boards, Picade, HyperPixel display, RP2040 microcontrollers, DIY electronics, educational kits, electronics retailer, custom electronics, PCB production, single-board computer accessories