Sometimes all it takes is a successful Kickstarter and a few bizarre videos from sports celebs to get your startup off the ground. BeON is living proof: The Cambridge-based “stress-free home security” company, raised $40,000 one day into their Kickstarter campaign, which launched Nov. 4. And with 16 days to go, they’re at more than 80 percent of the $100,000 goal.
That’s pocket change, though, compared to the $1.5 million BeON just raised in a seed round from Dangold Investment Corporation, announced on Tuesday. This funding will fuel the launch of its first product, the Burglar Deterrent, while also allowing BeON to expand the engineering and design teams, thus speeding up the process of developing new solutions. The company also revealed that it already partnered up with manufacturers and a supply chain to bring its first batch of products to fruition.
Oh, and the (arguably) creepy videos posted by New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and former Boston Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque, both backers of the startup, have probably helped. Though the videos, which show Wilfork and Bourque in pitch-black darkness holding a BeON bulb, have definitely raised a few eyebrows, they’re also building buzz around the growing brand. They’ve also teamed up for more informative (and decidedly less cryptic) videos with the company’s CEO and co-founder, Alexei Erchak, to discuss why BeON’s technology is an essential for every home.
The core strategy behind BeON’s LED bulbs, which can be installed into your existing light switches and controlled via a mobile app, is to fool prospective intruders by making it look like you’re home - even when you’re not. Even a doorbell ring from a would-be burglar can set off the lights, giving the impression that residents are stirring in the house. To give homeowners added security assurance in case of a power outage or the sound of a smoke alarm, the system uses built-in rechargable batteries and even offers exit lighting. Another new optional feature is on the way that will allow the doorbell to trigger ambient sounds while you’re away.
“Their first product takes a refreshing look at home security by focusing on prevention rather than reaction, and is clearly resonating with the market as demonstrated by their initial success on Kickstarter,” said Dangold partner Ashu Chalal.
