2 minute read
LEGO Ventures
from Kirkbi Annual Report 2018
by stibo
LEGO Ventures explores investment opportunities at the intersection of Play, Learning and Creativity to leverage and develop the original LEGO® Idea and support the LEGO brand mission ‘to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow’.
During 2018 LEGO Brand Group, KIRKBI and the Kirk Kristiansen family made important decisions about the future direction for the LEGO brand. Following a brand strategy process (read more at page 32), one clear red thread and conclusion was ultimately found: The LEGO® Idea, with its play, creativity and learning proposition is unique and more relevant than ever. Fully delivering on this core idea represents an opportunity to make a difference for children and families across the world, today and in the future.
During 2018, LEGO Ventures was established as a natural next step following the establishment of LEGO Brand Group. LEGO Ventures is founded on the belief that the LEGO Idea can be used for far more than we can presently imagine and the purpose of LEGO Ventures is to explore investment opportunities in the intersection of play, learning and creativity – opportunities, which leverage and develop the LEGO Idea and support the LEGO brand mission ‘to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow’.
Investment approach
LEGO Ventures focuses on investment opportunities within four key spaces:
• Education Technology – Bringing playfulness into every classroom • Life skills for the 21st Century – Prepping the heroes of tomorrow • New Play Spaces - Rethinking play experiences for modern day realities • Creative Making - Unleashing every child’s creative super powers
The LEGO Venture investments are managed by a dedicated in-house team.
2018 Highlights
In 2018, LEGO Ventures completed its first investments in an innovative additive manufacturing company, U.S.-based Evolve Additive Solutions, which has created multiple applications for 3D printing in manufacturing. Additive manufacturing has been used by the LEGO Group for many years to create more agile, cost-efficient production options. Evolve’s technology allows high-quality parts to be printed using materials similar to those in the current portfolio as well as explore sustainable alternatives.
LEGO Ventures also acquired a stake in Swedish-based Peppy Pals, one of the first companies to create playful digital experiences designed to equip, strengthen and nurture children’s social and emotional skills.
In addition, LEGO Ventures completed an investment in a Silicon Valley based venture firm, with the primary aim being to gain access to emerging technologies.
PLAY
LEGO Ventures explores opportunities at the intersection of play, learning and creativity to leverage and develop the original LEGO® Idea.