Raspberry Pi, the renowned maker of single board computers, made a significant move by floating its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), resulting in a remarkable 40% increase in early trading. Eben Upton, the CEO of Raspberry Pi, described this event as a "watershed moment" and emphasized that it signifies the beginning of a new phase in the company's evolution.
Initially priced at 280p, Raspberry Pi Holdings plc saw its shares surge to 399p before settling at 385p by the end of the first day of trading. This valuation placed the company at £541 million, marking a substantial milestone in its journey. It's important to note that Raspberry Pi Holdings plc operates as a subsidiary of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK charity that retains the majority of the shares.
Looking ahead, Raspberry Pi has ambitious plans fueled by its newfound access to the public market. Eben Upton expressed his excitement about the opportunity to accelerate the development of beloved products and introduce innovations at a faster pace. The funds raised through the IPO will also play a crucial role in supporting the Foundation's global aspirations for the next decade, including the creation of power management devices, next-generation microcontrollers, and the CM5 compute module.
Unconditional trading to the general public is scheduled to commence on June 14th, opening up new avenues for investors and enthusiasts to participate in Raspberry Pi's journey. Upton highlighted the company's impressive track record, having sold over sixty million low-cost, high-performance computers to a diverse customer base that includes enthusiasts, educators, and industrial clients. This diverse user base underscores the broad appeal and versatility of Raspberry Pi's offerings.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to the IPO, Eben Upton credited Raspberry Pi's success to its exceptional team and the unwavering support of its dedicated community. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a leader in the technology sector. As Raspberry Pi continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers, its recent IPO marks a significant milestone in its quest for global impact and sustained growth.