iControl links home security and energy efficiency
To capitalize on consumer interest in home security, startup iControl has launched an energy management platform for the mass market that ties smart appliances, thermostats and plugs to motion-activated lights, security cameras and door locks. But can making people feel safe also make them conserve?
At its core, iControl makes software — software that plugs into the security hardware made by companies like General Electric, Honeywell and ADT, and manages data being channeled back via a… Continue Reading
Intel Capital grows commitment to cleantech with five new investments
Intel Capital is no stranger to the clean technology space, but today, it took its participation to the next level with five investments in green companies, amounting to $10 million in all. In the mix, it brought one new portfolio company, demand response firm CPower, into its fold.
While Intel declined to say how much it was giving each startup, it said it was providing follow-on investments to Irish company Powervation, and U.S.-based Convey Computer, Grid… Continue Reading
iControl raises $23M third round for broadband home management
iControl Networks, a Palo Alto-based startup, has closed a new round of funding that adds $23 million to bring the company’s total funding to more than $45 million. The company makes home security and energy control systems that are sold and installed by home protection companies such as ADT Security Services.
iControl is extending the accessibility of its systems with an iPhone app that lets users remotely watch their homes through cameras mounted throughout the house,… Continue Reading
Control4 plugs into the smart grid with new $17.3M
Control4, maker of a universal remote control capable of adjusting any home appliances or electronics — from the television to the thermostat — has brought in $17.3 million to get the ball rolling on several smart grid initiatives.
These initiatives are far-flung, encompassing advanced metering, energy management displays showing consumers how much power they are using and how much it is costing, and a program aimed at teaching these consumers how to alter their behaviors and… Continue Reading
IControl, a home security service, raises $15.5 million from Kleiner Perkins
IControl, a company that lets you control home security sensors and other appliances from your phone or internet-connected computer, is building some momentum.
The startup recently inked a deal with VOXCOM, a provider of home video-monitoring services, and today, it announced a bit of a coup: IControl raised $15.5 million from top venture firm Kleiner Perkins, with the firm’s leading partner, John Doerr, joining iControl’s board. Previous investors Intel and Charles River Ventures also participated in… Continue Reading
4HomeMedia, latest company to want to control your home
4HomeMedia, a Sunnyvale start-up, is the latest company wanting to let people control every electronic gadget and system in their home remotely.
It is an elusive business, because some companies have tried it, and most have failed.
4HomeMedia apparently thinks it has better chances. It will demonstrate its home-controlling technology at the CES conference next week. It said its product, the ControlPoint, has won the “Best of Innovations” award in the Integrated Home Systems category for this… Continue Reading