What is Sphero?
Sphero operates at the intersection of hardware innovation and pedagogical advancement, specializing in programmable robots and STEAM-based educational resources. By integrating coding, science, and the arts into a cohesive learning experience, the company empowers K-12 students to develop critical problem-solving skills. Their market position is defined by a commitment to transforming traditional classroom environments into interactive hubs of invention, effectively bridging the gap between complex technical concepts and accessible, hands-on exploration for the next generation of innovators.
How much funding has Sphero raised?
Sphero has raised a total of $151.7M across 17 funding rounds:
Private Equity
$4M
Multiple Rounds
$37.6M
Multiple Rounds
$59.1M
Private Equity
$23.8M
Other Financing Round
$12.1M
Debt
$2M
Debt
$2M
Private Equity (2013): $4M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2014): $15.5M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series D (2014): $20M with participation from Grishin Robotics, Highway 12 Ventures, Foundry Group, and Shea Ventures
Private Equity (2014): $996K, investors not publicly disclosed
Other Financing Round (2014): $120K supported by Techstars and Disney Accelerator
Series C (2014): $997K, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2015): $11M, investors not publicly disclosed
Other Financing Round (2015): $45M with participation from Mercato Partners, Foundry Group, and The Walt Disney Company
Private Equity (2015): $2M, investors not publicly disclosed
Unspecified (2015): $1.2M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2017): $23.8M, investors not publicly disclosed
Other Financing Round (2018): $12.1M backed by Mercato Partners and The Walt Disney Company
Debt (2020): $2M with participation from PPP
Debt (2021): $2M led by PPP
Key Investors in Sphero
Foundry Group
A venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, that focuses on early-stage information technology, Internet, and software startups by leveraging deep industry expertise.
Grishin Robotics
A Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm specializing in consumer hardware and robotics, targeting large-scale markets including education and online entertainment.
The Walt Disney Company
A global leader in entertainment and media that provides strategic backing to innovative companies aligning with their focus on technology and consumer engagement.
What's next for Sphero?
Looking ahead, Sphero is positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for comprehensive STEM and computer science curricula. With a history of major strategic investment, the company is likely to focus on scaling its software ecosystem and expanding its reach within international educational markets. By maintaining its focus on high-engagement hardware, Sphero aims to solidify its role as a foundational provider of 21st-century career preparation tools, ensuring that its technological offerings remain at the forefront of the evolving edtech landscape.
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