Start-up raises US$3.7m in seed funding for smart baby monitor

The US infant care start-up Harbor has raised US$3.7m in seed funding to develop a “revolutionary” smart baby monitor.

The baby monitor offers features like local and remote access that streams with or without internet, a camera, data privacy assurance and an alerting system Smart Audio.

According to Harbor, the device, with capabilities such as a “remote night nanny” service, aims to “transform” the way parents take care of their children, helping them to get sleep and infant care expertise for a fraction of traditional costs.

“Technology should make our lives better,” said Kevin Lavelle, Harbor co-founder and CEO.

“Today’s solutions increase anxiety in an already overwhelming and difficult time where we should be able to focus on our little ones. Parents and kids deserve a secure, reliable, quality baby monitor, and since none exist, Harbor has built just that.”

The funding round, led by Trust Ventures with participation from Morrison Seger and Capital Factory, is hoped to help Harbor grow the company and bring its smart baby monitor to market.

“This investment will help us launch to the world,” explained Lavelle.

“Our mission is to create happier parents and healthier families, one restful night at a time. We’re democratising access to sleep expertise and improving family wellness.”

The American football punter Thomas Morstead, who is an investor, added: “Lauren and I care deeply about raising a happy, healthy family, and we’re thrilled to back what the team at Harbor is doing.

“We’ve experienced so much raising our kids and know Harbor will make a huge difference for parents everywhere.”