- Adafruit is a fast growing global leader in educational electronics platforms, prototyping and development tools, operating out of a manufacturing facility in the heart of NYC. It was founded by Limor "Ladyada" Fried in 2005 and specializes in the design and fabrication of original electronic learning platforms, which Limor personally selects, tests and approves before releasing. Adafruit is in the vanguard of Open Source Hardware, striving to educate makers of all ages in the field of electronics and programming. Founded by MIT engineer, Limor "Ladyada" Fried's goal was to create the best place online for learning electronics and making the best designed products for makers of all ages and skill levels. Adafruit has grown to over 50 employees in the heart of NYC with a 15,000+ sq ft. factory. Adafruit has expanded offerings to include tools, equipment and electronics that Limor personally selects, tests and approves before going in to the Adafruit store. Limor was the first female engineer on the cover of WIRED magazine and was recently awarded Entrepreneur magazine's Entrepreneur of the year. In 2014 Adafruit was ranked #11 in the top 20 USA manufacturing companies and #1 in New York City by Inc. 5000 "fastest growing private companies".