Rachio Snags Amazon Alexa Fund Investment for Wireless Sprinkler Automation
Rachio, the provider of “smart sprinkler controllers,” has closed a new $10 million funding round that included participation by the Amazon Alexa Fund. The Denver Post is reporting that the Alexa Fund “joined Rachio’s latest $10 million round…[and] was also part of an earlier round,” according to Rachio’s CEO and co-founder Chris Klein. The Alexa Fund’s Paul Bernard confirmed the investment via email with The Denver Post.
We’re excited to make a follow-on investment in Rachio as they continue their growth and innovation in sustainable solutions for the smart home. Rachio’s Alexa skill makes it easy for customers to control their intelligent sprinklers simply using their voice, helping to improve water efficiency in the home.
Rachio also announced a new smart sprinkler system, Rachio 3, and water flow meter today. The system is available for pre-order today for $279.99 and will ship in April with the water flow meter following in May.
Available on Multiple Voice and Mobile Platforms
Despite the Alexa Fund investment, Rachio is not exclusively partnered with Amazon for voice and app connectivity. It has an app for mobile, works with Google Assistant and Google’s Nest line of products and is integrated with Samsung’s SmartThings which will soon have Bixby voice assistant integration. The Alexa skill enables users to start, stop and schedule waterings and recognize over 100 commands.
Amazon Leans In on Smart Home
The Rachio investment is in line with recent Amazon moves to expand its reach into smart home capabilities. Amazon recently announced the acquisition of Ring, the doorbell and security camera company, and has been working closely with many smart home and smart lock providers to extend Alexa’s capabilities and support its Amazon Key delivery service.
Lennar is Building Amazon Alexa Enabled Homes in Florida and Texas
