How a tiny, low-cost computer became the best-selling British machine of all time
Born from a desire to revive computer science education, the Raspberry Pi evolved from a humble classroom tool into a global phenomenon. With over 75 million units sold, this credit-card-sized computer now powers everything from industrial robotics to home automation, proving that small hardware can drive massive innovation.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation was established in 2008 by Eben Upton and his colleagues to address a declining interest in computer science at the University of Cambridge. Inspired by the 1980s BBC Micro, the team aimed to create an affordable, accessible computer that would encourage children to learn programming. The project's name was a deliberate nod to the fruit-themed naming conventions of early computing and the Python language.
The first commercial model, the Model B, launched in February 2012 for $35. Demand was so intense that it crashed distributor websites, with over 100,000 pre-orders recorded on the first day alone. By 2015, the Raspberry Pi had surpassed the iconic ZX Spectrum to become the best-selling British computer in history. The company eventually restructured, separating its charitable foundation from the commercial entity, Raspberry Pi Ltd., which went public on the London Stock Exchange in June 2024.
Beyond its educational roots, the Raspberry Pi has diversified into a vast ecosystem. The product line now includes the ultra-low-cost Zero series, the performance-focused Raspberry Pi 5, and the Pico microcontroller series, which utilizes the company's in-house designed RP2040 chip. Today, these devices are essential in fields ranging from edge-based AI inference to industrial automation. By prioritizing flexibility and open-source software, the platform has transcended its original classroom mission to become a cornerstone of modern hobbyist and professional embedded computing.
Source: Raspberry Pi
