Sony to Launch Dedicated Raspberry Pi 5 Line Before IPO

Raspberry Pi, the popular provider of low-cost computing boards, is making significant moves in both the financial and manufacturing realms. The company, based in the UK, has applied to join the London stock market in an initial public offering (IPO) that could be valued at up to £600 million. At the same time, one of its key suppliers, Sony, is setting up a dedicated production line in Japan to manufacture the latest Raspberry Pi 5 boards.

The IPO for Raspberry Pi is anticipated to fall within the range of £500 million to £630 million, reflecting the company's strong financial performance. In 2023, the company reported revenues of $265.8 million, with a gross profit of $66.0 million and an operating profit of $37.5 million.

The majority of Raspberry Pi's computing boards are currently manufactured by Sony in Pencoed, Wales, with a smaller quantity produced at Sony's facility in Inazawa, Japan. Looking ahead, Raspberry Pi has plans to expand production at the Inazawa facility, aiming to have a dedicated line specifically for Raspberry Pi 5 boards operational by the end of 2024.

"For the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a patient and supportive shareholder, this IPO presents an opportunity to further enhance their efforts in empowering young people through the realm of computing," stated Eben Upton, the CEO of Raspberry Pi. "We are grateful for their ongoing support and are excited about the possibilities this IPO will unlock for creativity and innovation in the next phase of our development."

Since its inception in 2012, Raspberry Pi has sold over 60 million single-board computers (SBCs) and compute modules, with 7.4 million units sold in 2023 alone. The company estimates its total addressable market to be around $21.2 billion, with a significant portion in the Industrial and Embedded market, as well as segments in the Enthusiast and Education market. Raspberry Pi also entered the semiconductor market in 2021 with the launch of its RP2040 microcontroller.

Raspberry Pi distributes its boards directly to a global network of over 100 Approved Resellers and more than 500 OEM customers. Additionally, the company licenses designs to Premier Farnell, which handles the manufacturing and sale of specific products, paying a per-unit royalty to Raspberry Pi.

"Our journey began with the vision of providing affordable computing solutions for young individuals to explore and engage with technology," Upton reflected. "Over the years, we have witnessed the widespread adoption of Raspberry Pi across various industries and markets, showcasing the versatility and impact of our products. As we look ahead, our commitment to accessible technology remains unwavering, and we are eager to leverage our technology roadmap for continued growth and innovation."