Cambridge-based computer maker Raspberry Pi has announced that its pre-tax profit more than tripled in the first half of 2026, reaching $19.6m (£14.5m) compared to $6.2m a year prior. This growth was attributed to a surge in demand for its low-cost computers and price rises that boosted revenue.
Revenue for the period jumped 90 per cent to a record $256.9m. Chief executive Eben Upton noted strong demand from corporate customers and resellers, with the company's order backlog doubling to 2.6m units during the six months. Raspberry Pi sold 4.2m units, an increase of 17 per cent year-on-year, while direct sales rose 26 per cent to 3.4m.
The company's average selling price for its boards increased by 42 per cent to $65.90, as higher memory costs were passed on to customers. Raspberry Pi had built up significant strategic memory inventory in FY 2025, which helped maintain product availability and protect profitability during the first half of 2026 amidst a global memory shortage.
However, Raspberry Pi has indicated that the benefit from these cheaper supplies has now largely run out, leading to a moderation in its strong profit per unit. The company continues to stockpile memory, with inventory climbing to $262.7m by the end of June, and expects to use borrowing facilities to secure components for future production.
Raspberry Pi now anticipates full-year earnings to exceed market forecasts and expects to sell more units in the second half of the year than in the first. The company has seen increased use of its computers by businesses, including for AI applications, and reported particular interest from smart-home businesses and the aerospace and defence sector.