# Alex Hawkinson

> Alex Hawkinson is the co-founder and founding CEO of SmartThings, the connected-home platform Samsung acquired in 2014. He is now founder, CEO and chairman of BrightAI, which applies sensing and AI to essential infrastructure, and is a co-founder of OurSky and Efficient Computer. A Carnegie Mellon cognitive science graduate, he also pursues astrophotography.

- **Role:** Founder, CEO and Chairman at BrightAI
- **Organizations:** SmartThings, BrightAI, OurSky, Efficient Computer, SMBLive, Apptix, ReachLocal
- **Education:** BS in Cognitive Science, Carnegie Mellon University
- **Known for:** Co-founded and led SmartThings through its 2014 acquisition by Samsung., SmartThings Kickstarter raised $1,209,423 against a $250,000 goal., Founded BrightAI and led it through a $51 million Series A in July 2025.

## Career timeline

- **1994** — Graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in Cognitive Science.
- **2001-2005** — Founder and CEO of Apptix, according to his public career record.
- **2005-2010** — Founded and led SMBLive, later acquired by ReachLocal.
- **2011** — Damage from frozen and burst pipes at a Colorado family property helped inspire SmartThings.
- **2012** — Co-founded SmartThings; its Kickstarter campaign raised $1,209,423 from 5,694 backers.
- **2014** — Samsung acquired SmartThings; Hawkinson continued as CEO.
- **2018** — Left SmartThings in March.
- **2019** — Founded BrightAI.
- **2022** — Public career record dates his Efficient Computer co-founding role to 2022.
- **2023** — OurSky, co-founded with Dan Roelker, announced a $9.5 million seed round in December.
- **2025** — BrightAI announced a $51 million Series A in July.

## Achievements

- Co-founded and led SmartThings through its 2014 acquisition by Samsung.
- SmartThings Kickstarter raised $1,209,423 against a $250,000 goal.
- Founded BrightAI and led it through a $51 million Series A in July 2025.
- Co-founded space-data platform OurSky and processor company Efficient Computer.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Appeared in the Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas podcast discussing physical AI and gaps in equipment observability.
- **2026-06** — Discussed physical AI for infrastructure on the Oil and Gas Upstream podcast, including shorter implementation periods for newer customers.
- **2026-01** — Appeared on Boardroom Club to discuss BrightAI, infrastructure observability and edge computing.
- **2025-07** — BrightAI raised a $51 million Series A co-led by Khosla Ventures and Inspired Capital.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahawkinson/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/ahawkinson

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/alex-hawkinson
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-25