# Deako

> Seattle-based Deako makes a proprietary modular lighting system built around a hardwired connector that accepts interchangeable simple and smart controls. Its clever commercial move was to sell inexpensive infrastructure to builders first, then let homeowners upgrade individual switches later without rewiring. That distribution wedge has put Deako hardware into more than 350,000 new-construction homes, while its catalog now spans smart switches, dimmers, motion sensors, timers, plugs and an early-access home-intelligence platform.

- **Founded:** 2015
- **Headquarters:** Seattle, United States
- **Founders:** Derek Richardson (Founder and CEO), Alexander Strunkin (Co-founder and former Head of Product & Software)
- **Team size:** Approximately 59-65 employees; LinkedIn displayed 59 employees and the supplied company record listed 65.
- **Products:** Deako Connector and modular system, Smart Switch Gen 2, Smart Dimmer, Simple specialty controls, Smart Plug
- **Notable:** Installed in more than 350,000 new-construction homes and shipped more than 32 million products by April 2026, according to Deako., Expanded to more than 50 builder partners by April 2026., Ranked No. 182 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 after reporting more than 2,000% three-year revenue growth.

## Products & services

- **Deako Connector and modular system** — A hardwired backplate installed in a standard junction box that accepts interchangeable Deako simple and smart controls without rewiring.
- **Smart Switch Gen 2** — A $99.99 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth mesh on/off control with Magic Linking for automatic multi-way setup and a programmable Beacon LED light bar.
- **Smart Dimmer** — An app-connected dimmer supporting schedules, timers, scenes and integrations, listed from $109.99 in Deako's 2026 media kit.
- **Simple specialty controls** — Non-connected dimmers, motion sensors, nightlights, fan controllers, ventilation timers, timer switches and astronomical timers that use the same connector.
- **Smart Plug** — A $44.99 plug-in accessory that brings lamps and other plug-connected lighting into Deako scenes and schedules.
- **Universal Connector** — A UL-listed backplate for traditional copper and copper-clad aluminum wiring in one- through four-gang configurations.
- **Deako app** — Mobile software for setup, groups, scenes, timers, schedules, remote control and supported smart-home integrations.
- **Deako Intelligence** — An early-access whole-home platform combining mmWave presence sensing, intelligent switches and a local-data hub for adaptive lighting, follow-me audio, intercom and parent-care concepts. Pricing is not yet final.

## Achievements

- Installed in more than 350,000 new-construction homes and shipped more than 32 million products by April 2026, according to Deako.
- Expanded to more than 50 builder partners by April 2026.
- Ranked No. 182 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 after reporting more than 2,000% three-year revenue growth.
- Ranked No. 1,351 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 with 324% three-year growth.
- Smart Switch Gen 2 named 2026 IoT Breakthrough Connected Home Product of the Year.
- Smart Switch Gen 2 received a 2025 Best in Biz Gold award for Most Innovative Product of the Year.
- Won a 2024 Stevie Awards Bronze honor for Customer Service Department of the Year.
- Held 17 granted smart-lighting patents by April 2026, including a patent for occupancy prediction.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Launched the early-access Deako Intelligence concept and reported more than 50 builder partners, 32 million products shipped, 350,000 homes installed and 17 granted patents.
- **2026-02** — Announced an integration with Josh.ai for modular lighting and privacy-focused home control.
- **2026-01** — Smart Switch Gen 2 won the IoT Breakthrough Connected Home Product of the Year award.
- **2025-09** — Signed a three-year builder partnership with Home Creations in Oklahoma and Texas.
- **2025-07** — Released Smart Switch Gen 2 and an upgraded app with Magic Linking automatic multi-way configuration.
- **2025-04** — Marked its tenth anniversary and reported installations in more than 300,000 homes.
- **2024-10** — Added Home Assistant compatibility and announced builder agreements with Maronda Homes and CBUSA.
- **2024-08** — Ranked No. 182 on the Inc. 5000 with more than 2,000% three-year growth.

## Links

- Website: https://www.deako.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deako/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/godeako
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Yon_kInfu5aEPaXV0gCaQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godeako/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deakolights/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/deako
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-22