Cambridge-based tech firm Raspberry Pi has unveiled its latest computer model, the Pico 2, as part of its strategy to expand its product range and tap into new growth opportunities. Equipped with the company’s cutting-edge RP2350 chip, the Pico 2 promises enhanced performance, more memory, and upgraded interfacing capabilities, alongside advanced security features.
The Pico 2 is now available for pre-order at an affordable price of £4.80, with Raspberry Pi committing to maintain production of the device until at least 2040.
Significant upgrade in performance
The new model boasts a host of improvements over its predecessors, offering users a faster core clock speed, double the on-chip SRAM, and double the on-board flash memory. It also features more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores, enhanced interfacing options, and robust new security features.
In a statement, Raspberry Pi said:
“Raspberry Pi Pico 2 delivers a significant performance and feature boost, while retaining hardware and software compatibility with earlier members of the Raspberry Pi Pico series.”
This compatibility ensures that existing users can transition seamlessly to the new model without needing to overhaul their systems.
The announcement sparked positive market reactions, with Raspberry Pi’s share price rising 2.5% to 283p following the news.
Expanding horizons after IPO success
The Pico 2 launch comes just months after Raspberry Pi’s successful IPO on the London Stock Exchange in June. The firm has leveraged proceeds from its public listing to invest in engineering projects and strengthen its supply chain.
Founded in 2008 by computer scientist Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi first entered the market in 2012 with its innovative single-board computers. The company has since sold over 60 million units, becoming a household name among tech enthusiasts and educational institutions alike.
The company’s products are now distributed in more than 70 countries, cementing its status as a global player in affordable computing solutions.
A charitable mission at its core
Raspberry Pi operates as a subsidiary of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity established alongside the company in 2008. The foundation’s primary mission is to promote computer science education among young people, aiming to make coding and hardware development more accessible.
As the largest shareholder in Raspberry Pi, the foundation has received approximately $50 million (£39.7 million) in dividends since 2013. These funds have been reinvested into global educational initiatives, supporting the foundation’s goal of inspiring the next generation of programmers and engineers.
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Financial success and continued growth
In 2023, Raspberry Pi reported revenues of $265.8 million (£211.1 million), with operating profits reaching $37.5 million (£29.8 million). This financial success underpins the company’s ability to innovate and expand its product offerings while fulfilling its charitable objectives.
The introduction of the Pico 2 reflects the company’s commitment to providing affordable yet powerful computing solutions to a diverse audience, from hobbyists and developers to educators and students.
A bright future for raspberry pi
The launch of the Pico 2 signals Raspberry Pi’s intent to remain at the forefront of low-cost, high-performance computing. By combining technological innovation with its educational mission, the company is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory.
With the promise of long-term production and a focus on accessibility, the Pico 2 is expected to appeal to both new and existing users, further solidifying Raspberry Pi’s reputation as a leader in the tech industry.
As the firm builds on the momentum of its IPO and capitalises on growing demand for affordable computing devices, Raspberry Pi appears poised to maintain its position as a trailblazer in the global technology market.
