Rigado, a Portland company that provides wireless services for Internet of Things (IoT) companies, has secured $3.3 million in seed funding from Oregon Angel Fund, Rogue Ventures, and other investors.
Since launching in 2010, Rigado has grown to 43 employees and is serving 250 customers. The startup’s product line helps IoT manufacturers connect their devices to the cloud without having to build the wireless infrastructure themselves. Rigado works with clients like GoPro, NordicTrack, and Viawear.
“For companies across commercial, consumer, and industrial sectors the race to design, build, and bring to market IoT solutions is on,” said CEO Ben Corrado. “Rigado is intent on helping them save time and costs associated with development and certification of their connected products, while helping them manage product evolution in the field.”
Rigado plans to use the cash to add new products to its IoT lineup and expand into Europe and Asia. Oregon Angel Fund’s Steve Buhaly will join the Rigado board as part of the investment deal.
According to Corrado, Rigado’s main competition is IoT companies that choose a “DIY” approach and develop their wireless technology in-house. But he isn’t worried about this threat because of the expertise he says Rigado can offer.
“Our six years of experience working with over 250 commercial, industrial, and consumer organizations gives us a rather rare understanding of the challenges these IoT product design teams face,” he said. “This has allowed us to craft our tools and support to closely match their needs, and create close partnerships.”
