Sphero

Sphero is a technology company.

Active

Updated: Feb 17, 2026 ·

About

Sphero creates innovative coding robots and kits designed for PK-12 STEM education, promoting AI literacy and career and technical education.

Recent News & Mentions

May 1, 2015FundingSphero - Series E May 1, 2014FundingSphero - Series D May 1, 2012FundingSphero - Series C Apr 1, 2011FundingSphero - Series B

Financial History

Sphero has raised $75.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $45.0M Series E in May 2015.

Total Raised

$75.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Other Investors
May 1, 2015	$45.0M Series E	Flex Capital, Foundry Group, LAUNCH, Powerhouse Capital, Techstars, James Giancotti, Marc Benioff, Ryan Allis
May 1, 2014	$20.0M Series D	Audrey Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Chemistry VC, Flex Capital, Foundry Group, LAUNCH, NextGen Venture Partners, Powerhouse Capital, Techstars, Uncork Capital, James Giancotti, Marc Benioff, Ryan Allis
May 1, 2012	$5.0M Series C	Audrey Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Chemistry VC, Flex Capital, Foundry Group, LAUNCH, NextGen Venture Partners, Powerhouse Capital, Techstars, Uncork Capital, James Giancotti, Marc Benioff, Ryan Allis
Apr 1, 2011	$5.0M Series B	Audrey Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Chemistry VC, Flex Capital, Foundry Group, LAUNCH, NextGen Venture Partners, Powerhouse Capital, Techstars, Uncork Capital, James Giancotti, Marc Benioff, Ryan Allis

Financial History

Sphero has raised $75.0M across 4 funding rounds.

Total Raised

$75.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

High-Level Overview

Sphero is a leading edtech company specializing in programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that make coding, science, music, and arts engaging for K-12 students.[1][2][3] It serves educators, schools, and parents worldwide, solving the challenge of making technical subjects accessible and fun by turning classroom play into skill-building for future careers in STEM, computer science, and AI literacy.[1][4][6] With products like BOLT+, RVR+, Mini, indi, and littleBits kits, plus standards-aligned curricula, Sphero reaches over 40,000 educators and 20,000 institutions, driving growth through innovations like its 2025 Fast Company recognition for Most Innovative Education Companies.[1][2]

Origin Story

Founded in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado, as a TechStars startup, Sphero initially pioneered smartphone-robot interactions with its iconic programmable ball robot, aiming to create fun tech experiences.[1][3][4] The idea evolved when teachers adopted the robots for education, prompting Sphero to build a full ecosystem of activities, lessons, and computer science curricula aligned to U.S., U.K., and Australian standards.[4] A pivotal 2019 acquisition of littleBits expanded its offerings into electronic invention kits, shifting fully from consumer gadgets to comprehensive K-12 STEAM tools; today, it's privately held by founders, investors, and shareholders.[1][4]

Core Differentiators

Ready-to-code hardware: Products like BOLT (top school robot), Mini, RVR+, and indi work out-of-box across iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and Chromebook, with easy programming for all skill levels.[1][4]
Comprehensive ecosystem: Combines robots, standards-aligned curricula (e.g., Computer Science Foundations, Blueprint Engineering for CTE), and teacher support to foster hands-on STEAM learning from preschool to high school.[2][4][5]
Fun-to-skills focus: Transforms intimidating subjects into creative play, emphasizing critical thinking, AI literacy, and workforce prep; 98 patents in sensors, actuators, and levitation enhance durability and interaction.[1][3][6]
Accessibility and expansion: Affordable for schools, with recent evolutions like award-winning BOLT+ and littleBits integration for makers and artists.[2][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Sphero rides the surging demand for hands-on STEM and AI literacy amid global skills gaps in tech workforce development, amplified by post-pandemic edtech adoption and CTE emphasis.[2][4] Its timing aligns with rising K-12 coding mandates and AI integration in curricula, positioning it against competitors like Makeblock and LocoRobo by prioritizing fun, cross-platform tools over niche kits.[3] Market forces like educator burnout and equity in access favor Sphero's teacher-supported, inclusive model, influencing the ecosystem by setting standards for experiential learning—evident in its 2025 Fast Company nod alongside giants like Nvidia.[2]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Sphero's momentum, fueled by BOLT+ launches and CTE expansions, points to deeper AI and robotics integrations for high school and beyond, capitalizing on edtech's shift to workforce-ready skills.[2] Trends like AI literacy mandates and hybrid learning will propel growth, potentially through partnerships or new patents leveraging its 98 filings.[3] As edtech matures, Sphero could evolve influence by scaling global reach, solidifying its role from fun robots to essential future-proofing tools—echoing its origins in sparking tomorrow's creators.[1][6]

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has Sphero raised?

Sphero has raised $75.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.

Who are Sphero's investors?

Sphero's investors include Flex Capital, Foundry Group, LAUNCH, Powerhouse Capital, Techstars, James Giancotti, Marc Benioff, Ryan Allis, Audrey Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Chemistry VC.