Musician’s tech firm i.am+ purchases Wink

SCHENECTADY — Home automation manufacturer Wink has its third owner in as many years: The tech company founded by musician Will.i.am.

New York City-based Wink makes a small hub that a homeowner can use from remote locations to control multiple wireless-enabled devices throughout the residence.

The company has a large customer support operation with dozens of employees in downtown Schenectady, in Center City.

Wink was created by invention marketing company Quirky, then spun off as a separate business in June 2014. In September 2015, Quirky filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; Wink was soon purchased by Singapore-based Flextronics International for $15 million.

In July 2017, Flextronics — now known as Flex — sold Wink for an undisclosed sum to i.am+, which is, according to its website, “a Hollywood-based technology company whose mission is to create technology hits that create a ripple effect across pop culture. Our vision is to create a community of creatives and coders and believe that through music and technology as the first step, we can usher in a powerful new era built on AI.”

The founder of i.am+ is “innovator and global music artist will.i.am,” a member of The Black Eyed Peas who also wears many other hats.

Asked for comment, a Wink spokesman told The Gazette: “We’re excited about the future and look forward to sharing more in the coming months.”