Samsung has bought prominent connected-device startup SmartThings.
The South Korean giant announced the news today but didn’t disclose terms. Re/code, citing anonymous sources, pegged the deal at around $200 million. Today’s deal could have big implications in the growing Internet of things world, at least judging by the stated plans in the press release on the deal:
With Samsung’s resources and support, SmartThings will be able to expand its platform and become available for even more partners and devices
SmartThings sells hardware that serves as a hub for connected devices, with a smartphone app associated with the hardware. The hub works with devices that use Zigbee and Z-Wave communication protocols.
The deal isn’t a complete surprise. Reports of a possible deal surfaced last month.
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SmartThings will function as an independent entity, according to a blog post today from chief executive Alex Hawkinson. The team will move from its current home in Washington, D.C., to a new office in Palo Alto, Calif., he wrote.
SmartThings announced a $12.5 million funding round in November. Investors include A-Grade, CrunchFund, First Round Capital, Greylock Partners, Highland Capital, Lerer Ventures, Max Levchin, Start Fund by Yuri Milner, SV Angel, and David Tisch.
SmartThings originated in 2012 as a tremendously successful campaign on Kickstarter, raising more than $1.2 million despite a $250,000 goal.
