SJF Ventures Invests in Ayla Networks
Durham, NC – May 1, 2014 – SJF is pleased to announce its investment in Ayla Networks, a Sunnyvale, CA-based company that has developed a leading IoT (“Internet of Things”) connectivity platform. Designed for device manufacturers, as well as for retailers and service providers, Ayla’s end-to-end software solution runs across devices, cloud, and apps to create secure connectivity, data analytics, and feature-rich customer experiences. Built by veterans from ZeroG Wireless, Amazon’s Lab126, and Cisco, Ayla’s easily customizable platform encompasses device level firmware, cloud infrastructure, mobile app development, and advanced analytics. By choosing Ayla’s cloud-based application enablement platform, enterprise customers can easily and cost effectively bring to market Internet-connected devices – ranging from thermostats and lights to wearable devices and appliances – at mass scale.
Ayla enables the connected world by turning consumer devices, home controls, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting and other everyday products into intelligent devices that are managed in the cloud and controllable through great mobile apps. In doing so, Ayla helps manufacturers and service providers deliver compelling connected products to their customers while closing the loop between customers and suppliers. This unlocks new business models, streamlined product development, and improved customer support. Some of the largest manufacturers in the world have already chosen Ayla Networks as their partner to quickly integrate secure connectivity and data intelligence into products without substantial design modifications. The company has also established strong partnerships in China and adapted its platform to suit the Chinese market.
“Ayla is at the leading edge of ushering in a world in which the value proposition of connected devices to end users and to OEMs is so compelling that connectivity becomes the rule and not the exception,” said SJF Managing Director Arrun Kapoor. “SJF is excited to partner with Ayla Networks to help empower manufacturers and service providers to bring new products, service models, and modes of customer engagement to market. We look forward to many exciting announcements in the months and years ahead.”
SJF Ventures joined the International Finance Corporation, Cisco, Linear Ventures, SAIF Partners and existing investors Crosslink Capital and Voyager Capital in a $14.5 million Series B investment in Ayla Networks. For more information, please read the press release.
