Ones to Watch: HUB Controls

Oliver Hynes, Founder and CEO, HUB Controls

In our Ones to Watch section, we highlight some of the top movers and shakers in Ireland. This week we feature HUB Controls.

What is it?

HUB Controls is an award-winning company in the home automation/energy management sector. The HUB Controller is a smart thermostat that helps reduce home energy bills and works on all oil and gas heating systems.

The system is unique in that it can simply replace an old mechanical thermostat without the need for additional wires. Once installed you can then simply pair the device with your smartphone and control your heating remotely. The HUB Controller is also the only smart thermostat in the world that displays both temperature and heating spend.

The company was recently featured in the KPMG-hosted Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) Top 3 at Cleantech Venture Day. HUB Controls was awarded the silver medal.

Who’s behind it?

HUB Controls was founded by CEO, Oliver Hynes. Oliver has a degree in software development and brings with him over 25 years’ experience working for some of the biggest companies across Europe in the HVAC sector.

How is it funded?

HUB Controls has initiated their A round investment and SmartInvest, a venture capital fund with operations in the US and Ireland, leads the round after investing €2.35 million. Prior to this, HUB Controls received seed investment from angel investors and Enterprise Ireland.

Future plans?

Following the UK and European launch in 2018, the HUB Controller will be rolled out into the US market in partnership with Aris Energy. Future software upgrades to the HUB Controller will include features such as pay-as-you-go utility price comparison and time-of-use-tariffs, enabling the device to become the gateway between the home and the energy market. They are also developing a wider range of smart-home products that will include lights, plugs and radiators.