March 11, 2014

Zubie, iControl Team To Connect Car, Home

Staff Report  /  Charleston Regional Business Journal

Sullivan's Island-based Zubie Inc. plans to partner with Redwood City, Calif.-based iControl Networks Inc. to create a service that connects users' cars and homes wirelessly.

Zubie offers a connected-car service through its Zubie Key, a small device that plugs into a car and tracks driving habits. The device connects to the cloud via built-in cellular data connection. Users can see their real-time driving data on the Zubie app, as well as the location of people they are connected with on the app.

IControl Networks enables customers to automate their homes and manage home security systems. Users can check and control their homes' security cameras and systems, locks, lights and thermostats through their phones through their phones and the companies' platforms. A home dashboard can provide real-time display of the location of family members on the road or alert users to emergency situations.

"For Zubie, this is a game-changing partnership and a natural evolution of our capabilities," Zubie CEO Tim Kelly said in a statement. "The features and benefits we offer take on new meaning and value when viewed through the lens of home monitoring and automation, using the car as another powerful sensor."

Zubie, a mobile and Internet services company formerly known as GreenLight Connectivity Solutions, launched in 2012. The company raised $10 million in December through Series A funding from Castrol InnoVentures, Comporium Inc. and OpenAir Equity Partners.