With a growing number of devices connecting via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in households around the world, the smart homes we envision can sometimes feel more like warehouse of disconnected tech.
That's where Yonomi has built its business. The startup, co-headquartered in Austin and Boulder, Colorado, was founded in 2013 to integrate a variety of smart devices, from Amazon's Alexa to Philips' Hue lightbulbs, on a single platform. Its patented tech, which includes a consumer app and an API to enable third-party device integrations, has gained significant traction in recent years, including a $5 million funding round in 2018.
Now, Yonomi has been acquired by Dublin-based security company Allegion, which operates about 24 security brands, including biometric devices and mechanical locks. Allegion has been an investor in the startup since 2017. Terms of the acquisition weren't disclosed.
Yonomi, which will keep its brand name, was founded by CTO Joss Scholten, VP of Engineering Garett Madole and CEO Kent Dickson. Dickson will become vice president and general manager of the Yonomi business unit at Allegion.
“As an early provider of IoT solutions, Allegion truly understands the value of connected ecosystems and shares an important role in progressing smart-home solutions through its industry-leading brands like Schlage," Dickson said in a statement. "In addition, Allegion has been a significant partner of, and investor in, our company, and this acquisition provides more capital and capacity for growth of our existing technologies and platforms.”
Yonomi has 25 full-time employees, including 12 in its downtown Austin office, 11 in Boulder and two working remotely. It was named one of the Best Places to Work in Austin in 2019 by the Austin Business Journal in the micro companies category.
The startup raised a total of $9.3 million from investors including Rockies Venture Club, Deming Center Venture Fund, Gentex and Allegion.
Wednesday's acquisition news follows a year of significant moves.
In June, Yonomi added Sumati Sharan Stewart, a former head of business development on Amazon's Alexa Smart Home team, as its senior vice president of sales and marketing. In July, the company teamed up with Flo by Moen on its smart water security system to notify insurance carriers if a leak detector is active in a consumer's home.
