About 9 months ago I wrote a post laying out some of the thinking behind our investment in Codecademy and the role that code literacy would play in a world that’s increasingly technology driven. We continue to believe that and Codecaemy continues to execute extremely well towards that goal.

But there’s another technological shift occurring that’s also accelerating, yet woefully understood. It’s one that moves makers beyond cursors and code into a more tactile work space. 

Hailed by some as the new industrial revolution, this return to a maker based society can be every bit as intimidating to engage with as a blank text editor and an O’Reilly book for a newbie programmer. 

Enter littleBits. 

The aim of littleBits is to create a playful way for beginners to get started making with personal electronics. Ayah, littleBits dynamic founder, has drawn inspiration from children’s toys, such as Legos, which which lower the barrier for participation for the youngest of makers, yet have enough possibility to engage adults as well.

The market response to their initial product has been phenomenal. With this round of funding the company has an approach to building and engaging their community that we think will not only be fun, but, potentially, deeply impactful as customers access this new frontier of making.

The thin edge of the new industrial revolution or just a really cool kids toy? Like the devices themselves, littleBits the company is full of possibilities. And we’re thrilled to be a part of it.