This is New York, where it’s all about connections, and it’s starting to show: New York is becoming a center for connected devices, which has fallen into a category that’s currently being referred to as the Internet of Things.
It seems to be cropping up everywhere. Beacons in stadiums and stores. Devices that give us more control over our homes, cars and offices and the appliances and environments within them.
And this is just the beginning.
Someone always has to take the first step toward the next giant leap forward, and here are some of the home grown innovators who are networking all facets of our lives and – things.
Click Here to See The 21 People in IoT in NYC You Need To Know About
Founder’s note: AlleyWatch does not have a financial relationship with any of those included. This list is in no particular order nor is it a ranking. In fact, the =RAND() function on excel was used to determine order.
Steve Schlafman
RRE Ventures
A Principal at RRE Ventures, Steve Schlafman refers to himself an accidental VC. Previously he was a Principal at Lerer Ventures and prior to that, he was in the startup world as VP of Business Development at Stickybits Inc. / Turntable.fm.
He’s also author of the awesome Guide to New York Tech, Parts 1 and 2, which is an absolutely must read for anyone in the community, or who wants to be a lot more informed about it.
He did a few IoT investments while he was at Lerer Hippeau Ventures. Will that continue now that he’s at RRE? We can’t say for sure, but he obviously keeps an ear to the ground – and no doubt an eye on the space.
Keep up with Steve:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Blog
Image credit: LinkedIn
Adam Sager
Canary
Canary is the world’s first smart home security device for everyone, and Adam Sager, who previously built security programs for Fortune 500 companies and founded a national nonprofit in the security sector, is the founder and CEO of Canary. He previously built security programs for fortune 500 companies and founded a national nonprofit in the security sector.
The device itself is smart: Canary is a single device that contains an HD video camera and multiple sensors that track everything from motion, temperature and air quality to vibration, sound, and activity to help keep you, your family and your home safe. Equally important: it’s affordable.
Keep up with Adam:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Steven Van Wel
Karma
With Karma, Steven Van Wel set out with a simple idea: that everyone should be able to get online, everywhere they go. The Karma Hotspot introduces the first peer-to-peer WiFi device that allows you to share access to the Internet, but pay for your own data. It’s WiFi Made for sharing. And come December, they’re launching KarmaGo, to put the Internet in your pocket. Anywhere and everywhere you go.
Keep up with Steven:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: Twitter
Jamyn Edis
Dash Labs
Dash as in ‘dashboard,’ – like the one you have in your car, as Dash Labs’ focus is the connected car. Dash connects your smartphone to your car (all models 1996 and after) with a simple, low-cost device, which you can install yourself: simply reach under your steering wheel and plug it in! No mess, no mechanic, no problem.
You can now connect your phone to your vehicle, by pairing via Bluetooth. Dash provides you with real time diagnostics on your vehicle’s performance, from ‘Check Engine Light’ diagnostics to fuel level. They’ll also provide information on road conditions and driving behavior, to enhance driving – and where to find gas nearby. With more to come, considering there’s Jamys Edis and cofounder Brian Langel at the wheel.
Keep up with Jamyn:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Bernard Mehl
KISI
Bernard Mehl is cofounder of KISI, a smartphone-enabled access control system. Designed for businesses, commercial office and residential buildings, KISI integrates with existing infrastructure to add a whole new level of speed, convenience and functionality to traditional access control systems. With KISI, key cards and fobs can be just more quaint artifacts of the past.
Keep up with Bernard:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: Twitter
Kay Anar
Internet of Things Meetup/Gotham
Internet of Things Meetup / Gotham is organized by Kay Anar, who is a developer himself, and this meetup is dedicated to the design practices, technologies, insights and opportunities around the next frontier information access – the Internet of Things (IoT). They’re about device management, M2M devices, sensors, the web of things, remote monitoring of sensors, wireless sensor networks, smart sensors, new technology and security. Oh, they do provide pizza and beer as well.
And if you’ve ever attended a Hackathon in the city, chances are you’ve seen him there. He’s always tinkering with something. And it’s usually IoT related. At least, if and when possible.
Keep up with Kay:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: GitHub
Theodore Ullrich
Tomorrow Lab
As the founder of Tomorrow Lab, Ted Ullrich utilizes his Bachelor of Inventive Design Engineering degree from Purdue University, Master of Industrial Design degree from Georgia Tech, and architectural studies in Scandinavia, to design, engineer, and develop revolutionary products. In addition to leading Interdisciplinary Engineering, Ullrich taught Design Studios at Georgia Tech and Drexel University, and helped start and/or propel the following NYC Hardware projects at an early phase: WayCount, Windowfarms, littleBits, Social Bicycles, DoTank:Brooklyn, and Bring to Light / Nuit Blanche New York.
In short, Tomorrow Lab is a product design and development company with a unique focus on prototyping new hardware technology and turning those prototypes into market-ready products.
Keep up with Ted:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Daniela Perdomo
GoTenna
Daniela Perdoma grew up in Sao Paulo, she lives in Brooklyn, and she’s cofounder and CEO of goTenna, a device that pairs with your smartphone and lets you communicate with others even when you don’t have service. It allows you to send text messages, actually.
Her cofounder and CTO is her brother, Jorge, and was inspired by frustration: Jorge was at a concert and was having a hard time connecting with friends, due to connectivity issues. Daniela had issues due to Hurricane Sandy.
It’ll even work when your phone is in ‘Airplane Mode.’
Keep up with Daniela:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: Twitter
Tom Igoe
Tisch School of the Arts
Tom Igoe has written two books for makers: Physical Computing with Dan O’Sullivan, and Making Things Talk and is a contributor to Make magazine. He is also a co-founder of Arduino, because he believes that open fabrication can change the world, and teaches courses in physical computing and networking at the Interactive Telecommunications Program in the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.
With his background in theatre, his work has centered on physical interaction related to live performance and public space. His current research focuses on ecologically sustainable practices in technology development.
Keep up with Tom:
Twitter
Image credit: CC by open hardware summit
Peter Semmelhack
Bug Labs
Peter Semmelhack is founder and CEO of Bug Labs, a hardware platform that enables tinkerers and engineers to create their own digital devices, helping to push the Internet of Things forward.
Prior to Bug, he was the Founder and CEO of Antenna Software, the largest independent enterprise mobility provider in the world.
His book, Social Machines, is the first book for business people, marketers, product developers, and technologists, explaining how this trend will change our world, how your business will benefit, and how to create connected products that customers love.
Keep up with Peter:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Blog
Image credit: LinkedIn
Jake Levine
Electric Objects
The former GM of Digg, Jake Levine is founder and CEO of Electric Objects, a startup that makes picture frame-like computers that can display high-resolution artwork from the internet. In short, the company is making a new way to bring art from the Internet into your home. And we know you must be finding some great pieces out there. After all, you spend enough time looking at your screen…
Keep up with Jake:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Blog
Image credit: Twitter
Steve Cheney
Estimote
Steve Cheney is cofounder and SVP of Business Operations at Estimote, the company’s first products are Beacons and Stickers are small wireless sensors that can be placed anywhere in the physical world. Once installed, e.g. next to an entry door or on product shelves, they start broadcasting tiny radio signals. These signals can be picked up by consumers’ smartphones, at which point the compatible app triggers different actions, such as welcoming consumers to the store, displaying coupons or helping to navigate the store layout very precisely.
The stickers are Bluetooth-enabled and called Nearables. They’ll let your smartphone know more about its environment and enable developers to build powerful new experiences.
Keep up with Steve:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Blog
Image credit: Twitter
Pete Wassell
Augmate
Pete Wassell is cofounder and CEO of Augmate, an enterprise platform that provides the building blocks to create customizable and scalable smart eyewear business applications for deskless workers. Let’s just say that they make smart glasses even smarter by taking enterprise data, generating intelligent relationships between a worker and their environment, and that displaying relevant information to their digital eyewear device.
As for Wassell himself, he’s a CEO with 20+ years career experience in the IT industry. He ran multi-million dollar programs for IBM, conducted business presentations in every major city of the world, graduated at the top of his class (presidential scholar) at Clarkson University’s engineering school, and also graduated from the JFK Special Warfare School (Special Forces) in the military. Oh, he’s also been a legislator who has passed 1000+ laws.
Keep up with Pete:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: AboutMe
Matt Turck
FirstMark Capital
Does anyone involved in the Internet of Things in NYC not know Matt Turck? He’s all over the space – and more – and has been for quite some time. A partner at FirstMark Capital, he is also a mentor at Techstars NYC, DreamIt New York, Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator, First Growth Venture Network and NYC Venture Fellows.
And he also finds the time to organize of two large monthly tech community events, Data Driven NYC and Hardwired NYC.
As if that isn’t enough, he’s also an angel investor and speaking of IoT: he has led FirstMark’s investments in Helium (IoT infrastructure), Sproutling (IoT/family tech) and Kinsa (IoT/health), and he is one of the Awesome People in the New York Tech Scene You Need to Know About.
And now you know why.
Keep up with Matt:
Twitter
Linkedin
Blog
Image credit: FirstMark Capital
Josh Stein
Adhere Tech
Josh Stein is cofound and CEO of Adhere Tech, a company that makes smart pill bottles to improve medication adherence – in fact, it texts you to remind you to take your meds.
The Blueprint Health graduate company is another award winner, having won kudos – and top honors – from such organizations as The Cleveland Clinic, Jannsen Healthcare Innovation, Boehringer Ingelheim, The Henry Ford Innovation Institute, The LIVESTRONG Foundation, The NYCEDC, and more.
Keep up with Josh:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Limor Fried
Adafruit
Adafruit was founded in 2005 by MIT engineer, Limor “Ladyada” Fried. Her goal was to create the best place online for learning electronics and making the best-designed products for makers of all ages and skill levels. Adafruit has expanded offerings to include tools, equipment and electronics that Fried personally selects, tests and approves before going in to the Adafruit store.
Fried was the first female engineer on the cover of WIRED magazine and was recently awarded Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur of the year. In 2014 Adafruit was ranked #11 in the top 20 USA manufacturing companies and #1 in New York City by Inc. 5000 “fastest growing private companies.”
Keep up with Limor:
Twitter
Image credit: Google+
Inder Singh
Kinsa
“Imagine what we can do as a society if we can control disease in real time?” asked Kinsa founder and CEO Inder Singh when he presented at the New York Tech Meetup. Kinsa is the world’s smartest smartphone-connected thermometer, and it’s also intended to create the first real-time health map to track and stop the spread of disease. The information is uploaded, so that you can see if there are illnesses going around in the school or local area.
The device is winner: Grand Prize, Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovation; Grand Prize, NYC Innovation HealthTech; Grand Prize, Demo Mobile, 2013; Grand Prize, Health 2.0 DC2VC & StartUp
Keep up with Inder:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Ben Kaufman
Quirky/Wink
Quirky founder and CEO Ben Kaufman considers himself the World’s Least Important CEO. Not to a lot of inventors out there: Quirky is an online community that votes on invention ideas. The company then finances manufacturing and distribution for winning projects. Welcome to the Internet of all sort of Things.
Then there’s Wink, a subsidiary of Quirky, centered on building the world’s best ecosystem for internet-connected products. The Wink app, which is available in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, connects physical products from both Quirky and 3rd party manufactures into one platform, delivering on the promise of interoperability that is at the core of the Internet of Things revolution. Wink gives unprecedented attention to the software side of connected-home equation, creating a user experience that is truly seamless between the physical and digital.
Keep up with Ben:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Piet Morgan
Hammerhead
In 2006, Piet Morgan was on a cross-country bike trip with a friend. It was abruptly cut short when his friend was hit by a car and killed. The experience led him to search for a simpler solution to direction navigation on bikes, and he came up with Hammerhead, a T shaped device that uses lights to indicate navigation directions on a bike, to hopefully prove less distracting and less dangerous for cyclists than a voice/app navigation guide. It not only guides cyclists – it analyzes their performance.
The company also participated in R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator Powered by TechStars’s first class.
Keep up with Piet:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Nayeem Hussain
KeenHome
Nayeem Hussain is the cofounder of KeenHome, a company focused on developing new technologies that enhance the core functions of a home. Their first product is Smart Vent, which intelligently opens and closes to reduce uncomfortable hot and cold spots, saving energy in unused rooms, and tailoring your whole home’s heating and cooling to fit your lifestyle.
In April 2013, the company was named as one of the 28 hottest start-ups in the country while participating in TechCrunch’s annual Disrupt NYC conference. In early 2014, Keen Home participated the first Techstars + R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator and well as the prestigious InSITE program.
The company aims to bring its first product to market in early 2015. Stay tuned!
Keep up with Nayeem:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: LinkedIn
Mitchell Golner
Internet of Things Meetup
Engineer, investor and former DreamIt Ventures Managing Partner (Israel), Mitchell Golner organizes the NYC Internet of Things Meetup, with a focus on IoT, robotics, electronics, new tech, hardware, embedded systems and open source hardware.
He has lived and worked in Silicon Valley, Hong Kong, ShenZhen, China and Israel, but did you know that Golner holds a Masters and Bachelors Degrees in Electrical Engineering, is a graduate of the GE/Lockheed Martin Edison Engineering Program (EEP) and is the recipient of a NASA Virginia Space Grant? All true.
Keep up with Mitchell:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Image credit: Israel 21C/Yaki Zimmerman