Much of the home control and automation market centers around homeowners, homebuilders and single-family houses. But as Millennials put off buying a home for much longer than previous generations, it's worth asking: what about renters?
A new Portland startup, IOTAS, has developed a smart home platform specifically for the apartment retail market, working with real estate developers and property owners to install smart outlets, switches and sensors in the units before renters move in.
The startup took a big step this week when it named Tim Enwall, former CEO of another smart home tech startup, Revolv, to its board. When Nest acquired Revolv in 2014, Enwall was named head of strategy at Nest. Revolv was almost immediately shut down, but that's another story.
IOTAS Smart Home Platform
IOTAS pairs hardware and software to allow renters to create profiles, which remember user preferences for things like desired room temperature and when lights should turn on and off. The profiles can then follow users from apartment to apartment if they move.
In January, IOTAS released its second generation smart home hub, now focusing on property managers and landlords. The hub allows property managers to control empty apartments through one dashboard.
The system works with up to 30 devices per apartment building and allows users to control utilities, lighting and other features through a mobile app.
IOTAS also generates revenue from an accompanying cloud service, that renters or property managers can control the hardware through remotely.
The platform is currently in 300 apartment buildings.
Enwall, Taylor Join IOTAS
“[Enwall’s] extensive industry experience, as well as his knowledge of building and growing an Internet of Things company, will be valuable to IOTAS as we address the growing need of property owners and developers to offer smart, connected home solutions to the rental market,” says Sce Pike, IOTAS founder and CEO.
In addition to naming Enwall to the board, the company also signed Haley Taylor, former Revolv head of engineering and product, to the team as a consultant.
