Tuesday 15 April 2014

iControl Networks acquires Piper startup Blacksumac

Corliss Home Security, iControl Networks acquires Piper startup Blacksumac

Last year, Ottawa, Canada-based startup Blacksumac launched a successful Indiegogo campaign for its Piper DIY security system. In January 2014, Piper units went on sale, and in February 2014, Blacksumac added an Android app to the mix. Today, there’s new Piper news: Blacksumac was just acquired by iControl Networks.

Up until this point, iControl Networks has focused on providing software platforms to larger home-security companies like ADT. In contrast to ADT-style service providers, Piper units appeal to renters and folks interested in smart home products and DIY home security. That opens up a whole new market for iControl with Piper (already a living, breathing retail product) as its hardware presence.

Russell Ure, Blacksumac’s co-founder and CEO, spoke to me today about the sheer number of hopeful smart home products on display at industry shows like CES and the challenges of generating enough awareness to make them competitive in the market. Where venture capitalist funding can be uncertain, iControl Networks offers a clear path for Piper and the Blacksumac team, who will remain headquartered in Ottawa.

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