Tessel Project

Tessel Project is a technology company.

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Updated: Mar 21, 2026 ·

About

Tessel Project provides an open-source hardware and software platform for Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. Its core product, a microcontroller board like the Tessel 2, integrates Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB expansion. Developers program embedded devices using JavaScript and Node.js, simplifying sensor and actuator interaction. This approach makes hardware programming highly accessible for software engineers.

The project originated from an insight to bridge web development with physical computing, offering a JavaScript environment for hardware interaction. Kelsey Breseman is a recognized early contributor and advocate for the Tessel Project. This initiative aimed to lower barriers for connected device development, fostering broader participation in embedded systems.

Tessel targets software developers, hobbyists, and educators building IoT prototypes, particularly those proficient in JavaScript. The company’s vision is to foster a vibrant, fully open-source ecosystem around its hardware and software. It empowers its community to innovate and build freely, advancing connected technology.

Recent News & Mentions

Nov 1, 2013FundingTessel Project - Seed

Financial History

Tessel Project has raised $1.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $1.0M Seed in November 2013.

Total Raised

$1.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Lead Investors	Other Investors
Nov 1, 2013	$1.0M Seed		DN Capital, Expa, First Star Ventures, Quiet Capital, Chung-Man Tam, James Kelm

Financial History

Tessel Project has raised $1.0M across 1 funding round.

Total Raised

$1.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

Tessel is not a single conventional technology company today but a name used by several related projects and small firms; the most prominent “Tessel Project” is an open‑source, volunteer‑run IoT/robotics hardware platform that originated from the startup Technical Machine, while other small businesses use similar names for unrelated services (e.g., a Bengaluru development studio and a separate data‑platform vendor called Tessell/Tessell/Tessell) [1][2][7][6].

High‑Level Overview

Concise summary: The Tessel Project is a community‑driven, open‑source IoT and robotics platform that provides Node.js‑friendly development boards, plug‑in hardware modules, and supporting software aimed at making physical computing fast and approachable for developers; it is maintained by volunteers rather than functioning as a traditional for‑profit company[1][2].- If treated as an investment firm: Not applicable — Tessel is not an investment firm; available sources describe it as a project/collection of volunteers rather than a VC or fund[1].- If treated as a portfolio/product company: Tessel (the Project) builds development hardware and software (Tessel boards and module ecosystem) that serve developers, makers, educators and IoT prototypers by letting them write device code in Node.js to accelerate prototyping and simplify hardware integration; this addresses the problem of steep embedded‑development learning curves and slow iteration cycles[1][2]. The project has persisted through community maintenance and modest crowdfunding/collective funding activity, showing continued but small‑scale momentum via community contributions and purchases through third‑party sellers[1][2].

Origin Story

Founding & roots: The Tessel hardware was originally developed by a startup called Technical Machine to enable JavaScript (Node.js) on microcontroller boards; after that company’s shift away from the product, the Tessel hardware and software continued as the community‑run “Tessel Project.” The current project identifies itself as not being a conventional company and lists volunteer contributors and transparent finances on Open Collective[1][2].- Founders/background & idea emergence: Early work came from engineers who wanted to bring web developer tooling (JavaScript/Node) to hardware to lower the barrier for building IoT devices; that developer‑friendly ethos carried through to the community project[2][1].- Early traction/pivotal moments: Key moments include the initial product launches (original Tessel and Tessel 2) that attracted maker attention, the transfer from a startup to community stewardship, and ongoing small‑scale funding/collective donations that keep documentation, builds and module designs available[2][1].

Core Differentiators

Open, community governance: Operates as a volunteer‑driven open‑source project rather than a traditional commercial firm, with transparent finances on Open Collective[1].- Node.js first developer experience: Designed to let developers write device code in JavaScript/Node.js instead of lower‑level embedded languages, shortening the learning curve for web developers moving into hardware[2].- Modular hardware ecosystem: Uses plug‑and‑play modules (sensors, actuators, radios, cameras, relays) that simplify prototyping and reduce integration time[2].- Focus on practical accessibility: Emphasis on cost‑effective, production‑friendly availability (designed to be purchasable from one unit up to production quantities) and community support for documentation and examples[5][1].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Trend alignment: Rides the maker/IoT and “bring web devs to hardware” trend by enabling JavaScript/Node.js on embedded devices, which lowers adoption friction for a large developer pool[2].- Timing & market forces: Continued growth in IoT, edge computing, and developer‑friendly hardware platforms (alongside alternatives and competitors) gives ongoing relevance to projects that simplify prototyping and integration[2][4].- Ecosystem influence: By emphasizing open hardware/software and community contribution, Tessel contributes to open‑source hardware culture, educational use cases, and rapid prototyping workflows; its existence pressures commercial vendors to improve developer experience and modularity[1][5].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

What’s next: As a community project, Tessel’s future depends on continued volunteer engagement, community funding, and third‑party availability of boards and modules through distributors; absent renewed commercial backing, growth will likely remain organic and maker‑community driven[1].- Trends that will matter: The expansion of edge computing, demand for rapid prototype-to-production paths, improved low‑power wireless modules, and continued interest from web developers in hardware will affect Tessel’s relevance[2][4].- How influence might evolve: If community contributors or a commercial partner invest in refreshed hardware, tooling, and distribution, Tessel could regain broader visibility among makers and educators; otherwise its role will stay as a niche, community‑maintained platform that serves developers who prefer Node.js for embedded projects[1][2].

Notes on name‑confusion and verification

Multiple entities use similar names: there are unrelated firms (e.g., a small Bengaluru shop “Tessel Technologies” and a different company named Tessel.io or Tessell in other markets) so verify which “Tessel” you mean before taking investment or partnership actions[7][3][4]. Sources used: Tessel Project Open Collective (community project description and team/funding)[1], historical and product context from Technical Machine / Tessel 2 descriptions and third‑party writeups[2], and business directories noting alternate companies using the Tessel name[5][7][4].

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has Tessel Project raised?

Tessel Project has raised $1.0M in total across 1 funding round.

Who are Tessel Project's investors?

Tessel Project's investors include DN Capital, Expa, First Star Ventures, Quiet Capital, Chung-Man Tam, James Kelm.