WattBuy is an online marketplace that assists residents in saving on electricity costs by facilitating the selection of cheaper electricity providers. Founded in 2017, the platform empowers users to make informed decisions about their home electricity expenses by enabling them to browse and choose from a variety of plans available in their area. As several state governments have deregulated the electricity market, homeowners in 14 states can now access over 50 electricity providers and plans tailored to their needs. WattBuy utilizes a personalized recommendation engine to help clients set up electricity plans that align with their preferences and usage, ultimately allowing them to switch to more cost-effective options. The company is supported by the Department of Energy and Techstars Accelerator.
Rise Gardens LLC is a company that specializes in indoor hydroponic gardening systems, allowing individuals to grow their own food year-round. The company offers a modular gardening system that accommodates a variety of plants, including herbs, greens, tomatoes, and microgreens. Alongside the physical gardening system, Rise Gardens provides an application that tracks the growth of plants and offers guidance on fertilization and care, enhancing the user experience. Founded in 2017 and based in Skokie, Illinois, Rise Gardens sells its products primarily through online channels, making home gardening accessible to a wider audience. Formerly known as Harvest2O, LLC, the company aims to simplify the gardening process and promote sustainable food production at home.
Span.IO, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in developing renewable energy products for residential use. Founded in 2018, it offers innovative solutions including a smart electrical panel designed to replace traditional panels, serving as a central hub for home energy management. The accompanying application, known as The Span, allows homeowners to monitor and control their energy usage remotely, facilitating scheduling and alert notifications. Span.IO aims to simplify the adoption of renewable energy and enhance user experience through intelligent hardware and software solutions. The company collaborates with installers, technology providers, and energy companies to reach homeowners and promote the integration of clean energy technologies.
Rise Gardens LLC is a company that specializes in indoor hydroponic gardening systems, allowing individuals to grow their own food year-round. The company offers a modular gardening system that accommodates a variety of plants, including herbs, greens, tomatoes, and microgreens. Alongside the physical gardening system, Rise Gardens provides an application that tracks the growth of plants and offers guidance on fertilization and care, enhancing the user experience. Founded in 2017 and based in Skokie, Illinois, Rise Gardens sells its products primarily through online channels, making home gardening accessible to a wider audience. Formerly known as Harvest2O, LLC, the company aims to simplify the gardening process and promote sustainable food production at home.
SmartRent is an enterprise home automation company that develops innovative software and hardware solutions for property owners, managers, and residents in multifamily communities. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, SmartRent provides a platform that allows property managers and residents to control locks, lights, and thermostats in both vacant units and common areas from anywhere in the world. The company's technology integrates with various property management systems and hardware manufacturers, enabling enhanced asset monitoring and protection. SmartRent's solutions aim to create operational efficiencies and drive additional revenue opportunities for property managers while delivering a seamless experience for residents. The majority of the company's revenue comes from the United States, though its services also extend internationally.
Sweepr Technologies Limited, founded in 2017 and based in Celbridge, Ireland, develops a software platform aimed at diagnosing and resolving issues faced by homeowners in managing connected devices. The company leverages artificial intelligence, voice assistance, and behavioral psychology to simplify technical support for non-technical users. As homes become increasingly connected, many homeowners struggle with the complexity of managing numerous devices, leading to a rise in customer support inquiries. Sweepr's platform provides service providers and manufacturers with the tools to integrate AI-driven customer care capabilities, enhancing user interactions while reducing support costs. This approach not only improves the overall experience for homeowners but also allows service providers to focus on innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction. By delivering intuitive and contextually adaptive support, Sweepr aims to ensure that homeowners can enjoy seamless and uninterrupted use of their connected products and services.
Orro is a manufacturer of advanced lighting systems designed to enhance smart home living. Based in San Mateo, California, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, the company produces light switches that respond to human presence and adapt to natural light levels. This innovative technology allows Orro's products to make intelligent lighting adjustments, thereby improving energy efficiency and enhancing the overall living experience for homeowners and renters. By integrating seamlessly with popular smart home applications such as Alexa, Google Home, and Nest, Orro aims to create a comprehensive smart living environment. Their solutions not only increase property values but also contribute to reduced energy expenses, making them a valuable addition to modern homes.
Hatch Baby, Inc. is a company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2012, that specializes in developing innovative smart products for parents and their children. The company offers a range of solutions aimed at promoting healthy sleep habits for individuals of all ages. Its flagship products, the Rest and Rest+, are designed for babies and children, allowing parents to control them remotely to create the ideal sleep environment. Additionally, Hatch Baby has developed a smart changing pad that helps parents track their infants' growth, feeding schedules, diaper changes, and sleep patterns through a smartphone application.
tado° GmbH is a Munich-based company that specializes in developing home climate control systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency of heating and cooling in residential and small business settings. Founded in 2010, tado° offers a combination of hardware and software solutions that intelligently adjust climate controls based on residents' behaviors, current weather conditions, and specific building characteristics. The company's products are available through various retail outlets and online platforms. With a focus on integrating Internet of Things technology into the Cleantech sector, tado° aims to provide innovative solutions for energy-efficient climate management. The company also has an office in London, expanding its reach in the market.
Plant Prefab specializes in the construction of custom single and multifamily homes, emphasizing sustainability and health. The company offers a patented prefabricated building system that streamlines the construction process, significantly reducing build time compared to traditional methods. By collaborating with individuals, architects, and small developers, Plant Prefab provides efficient solutions for those looking to realize their housing projects. Clients can choose to work with their own architects, select from a range of standard designs, or engage with the company's design partners. As the first home factory in the United States dedicated exclusively to sustainable practices, Plant Prefab focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of home construction, including energy, water, and resource usage. The firm aims to ensure that homes are built with durability in mind, promoting a healthy living environment for residents while also reducing disruptions typically associated with on-site construction.
Roby is a developer of chat and voice-enabled software that aims to enhance workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction. The software functions as a smart help desk solution, managing various requests such as employee Q&As, room bookings, facility requests, and IT support. By automating repetitive tasks and minimizing miscommunication, Roby significantly reduces resolution times, allowing organizations to focus on their core activities. Founded as part of the Techstars 2018 program, Roby is dedicated to creating engaged and productive work environments through streamlined operations that are both simple and personalized.
ecobee, Inc. is a Canadian company based in Toronto that specializes in manufacturing Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats and light automation equipment for both residential and commercial use. Founded in 2007, ecobee offers a range of products, including the SmartThermostat with voice control, ecobee3 lite, SmartSensor, and ecobee Switch+, all designed to enhance energy efficiency and provide remote access to temperature settings through a mobile application. These devices enable users to monitor and manage their energy consumption effectively, contributing to energy conservation while maintaining comfort in homes and offices. ecobee's products are available for purchase online, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Rachio, Inc. is a Denver-based company that specializes in intelligent sprinkler controllers aimed at enhancing water efficiency for residential landscapes. Founded in 2013, Rachio offers a WiFi-enabled device that allows users to remotely manage their sprinkler systems via a smartphone application. The system automatically adjusts watering schedules based on various factors, including local weather conditions, soil characteristics, and individual water budgets. By leveraging cloud-based technology, Rachio enables users to control their outdoor irrigation from anywhere, ultimately helping them save both water and money.
ecobee, Inc. is a Canadian company based in Toronto that specializes in manufacturing Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats and light automation equipment for both residential and commercial use. Founded in 2007, ecobee offers a range of products, including the SmartThermostat with voice control, ecobee3 lite, SmartSensor, and ecobee Switch+, all designed to enhance energy efficiency and provide remote access to temperature settings through a mobile application. These devices enable users to monitor and manage their energy consumption effectively, contributing to energy conservation while maintaining comfort in homes and offices. ecobee's products are available for purchase online, making them accessible to a wide audience.
June Life Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of smart ovens, having pioneered this market in 2016 with the introduction of its innovative countertop convection oven. The June Oven combines multiple cooking functionalities, serving as an air fryer, slow cooker, roaster, broiler, baker, dehydrator, toaster, reheater, and warming device, effectively replacing seven kitchen appliances and reducing clutter. The company aims to enhance the cooking experience by leveraging technology, elegant design, and exceptional performance, making cooking accessible and easy for everyone. Established in 2013, June Life Inc. continues to focus on transforming the culinary landscape through its advanced kitchen solutions.
Essential Products is a new type of company focused on creating consumer technology products for the 21st century. Founded by Andy Rubin, co-founder of Android, the world's most widely used operating system, Essential Products is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
Sphero is a developer of smartphone-controlled robots and STEAM-based educational tools aimed at transforming how children learn and engage with technology. Since its inception in 2010, the company has been at the forefront of the connected play revolution, combining robotic and digital technologies to create immersive experiences that inspire creativity and exploration. Sphero's products promote learning in coding, science, music, and the arts, making them accessible to K-12 students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. By encouraging imagination and perseverance, Sphero equips learners with essential skills for the future, fostering the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Nucleus is a developer of a wireless home intercom system designed to enhance communication within families. Drawing inspiration from traditional intercom systems, Nucleus offers an all-in-one device that integrates video calling and smart home management. By connecting to a home's WiFi network, the system facilitates instant, hands-free communication between family members, regardless of their location, whether nearby or far away. The devices can be easily installed in various rooms, providing a simple and effective solution for modern family interactions.
ecobee, Inc. is a Canadian company based in Toronto that specializes in manufacturing Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats and light automation equipment for both residential and commercial use. Founded in 2007, ecobee offers a range of products, including the SmartThermostat with voice control, ecobee3 lite, SmartSensor, and ecobee Switch+, all designed to enhance energy efficiency and provide remote access to temperature settings through a mobile application. These devices enable users to monitor and manage their energy consumption effectively, contributing to energy conservation while maintaining comfort in homes and offices. ecobee's products are available for purchase online, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Luma Home Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing Wi-Fi routers specifically for household networks. The company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, addresses the growing demands of connected homes by providing products that ensure reliable and secure internet connectivity for multiple devices. Founded by Dr. Paul Judge and Mike Van Bruinisse, Luma leverages their extensive experience in networking and security to develop personalized Wi-Fi solutions. Since its inception, the company has focused on delivering fast, simple, and highly secure home networking products that cater to current and future technological needs. Luma operates as a subsidiary of First Alert, Inc.
Ring is an outdoor home security company based in Santa Monica, California, established in 2012. It offers a range of smart security products designed to enhance home safety and reduce crime in neighborhoods. The company's lineup includes devices such as the Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Stick Up Cam, and the Ring Floodlight Cam, all of which enable homeowners to monitor their properties effectively. These devices are equipped with features like wide-angle lenses, built-in microphones, and speakers, allowing users to see, hear, and communicate with visitors or intruders. By leveraging technology, Ring aims to create a digital neighborhood watch, empowering consumers to protect their homes and communities.
Sutro offers an innovative IoT solution for water quality management, featuring a user-friendly sensor that provides real-time information and management instructions for bodies of water. Initially targeting the $13 billion domestic market for residential swimming pools and spas, Sutro aims to enhance the maintenance experience for pool owners, who typically invest over 40 hours and $1,500 annually on upkeep. By providing a cost-effective solution priced at $300, Sutro significantly reduces both time and expense for users. The company's water quality testing application continuously monitors chemical levels and incorporates automated delivery services for chemicals and pool accessories, ensuring customers stay informed about water quality. Sutro's long-term vision includes expanding its impact across the global $600 billion water market, reflecting a commitment to improving water security as a vital resource.
Petnet, Inc. specializes in intelligent petcare devices, focusing on enhancing the feeding experience for pets and their caregivers. The company's flagship product, SmartFeeder, is an advanced feeding system that connects to a pet analytics platform, enabling remote management of pet feeding through laptops, smartphones, or tablets. Users can control feeding times, portion sizes, and food dispensing speed while receiving notifications about meal confirmations, food inventory, and device battery life. This system is designed to adapt to the schedules of pet owners and monitor their pets' eating habits, thereby promoting better pet wellness. Founded in 2012 and based in Los Angeles, California, Petnet operates as a subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.
Musaic Ltd. is a London-based company that designs and manufactures wireless HiFi music systems. Established in 2011, Musaic offers a range of smart speakers, including the MP10 for larger spaces and the MP5 for smaller areas, as well as the MPL music player, which enhances existing stereo systems and soundbars. The company’s products support playback from various devices, including Apple and Android smartphones, PCs, and networked storage, as well as integration with popular streaming services such as Spotify and Napster. Musaic’s technology allows users to control music playback wirelessly from their mobile devices, enabling them to play different music in separate rooms or the same music throughout multiple spaces. Additionally, the systems can integrate with compatible home automation technologies, providing a streamlined smart-home experience without the need for professional installation.
Rachio, Inc. is a Denver-based company that specializes in intelligent sprinkler controllers aimed at enhancing water efficiency for residential landscapes. Founded in 2013, Rachio offers a WiFi-enabled device that allows users to remotely manage their sprinkler systems via a smartphone application. The system automatically adjusts watering schedules based on various factors, including local weather conditions, soil characteristics, and individual water budgets. By leveraging cloud-based technology, Rachio enables users to control their outdoor irrigation from anywhere, ultimately helping them save both water and money.
Garageio is a company that offers a digital solution for garage door control and monitoring, allowing users to manage their garage doors from anywhere in the world without replacing their existing openers. Established in 2012 under Alottazs Labs, LLC and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Garageio combines hardware and software to create a user-friendly platform. The system includes a wireless device that connects to users' smartphones, enabling them to monitor the status of their garage doors and grant access to friends and family. This innovation addresses common concerns about security and convenience, eliminating the need for users to worry about whether their garage door is closed or left open. Garageio continues to develop unique solutions tailored to the needs of its customers.
Scout Security Limited is an Australian company that specializes in home security systems and services primarily in the United States. Founded in 2012, Scout offers a range of products designed for user-friendly installation and operation, including a hub that connects various sensors, door panels that monitor entry points, motion sensors for critical areas, and access sensors for windows and doors. The company's product lineup also features indoor cameras, video doorbells, keypads, water sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, and door locks. Additionally, Scout provides monitoring services and allows users to customize responses to alerts via mobile devices. The company's products are available for purchase directly through its website, as well as through platforms like Amazon and Zego partners.