University of Washington spin-out SNUPI Technologies has raised $7.5m in series A for a device to look for water leaks.

SNUPI Technologies, a University of Washington spin-out manufacturing home-based sensor devices, has raised $7.5m in series A funding.

The round was led by the Washington Research Foundation, with participation from venture firm the Madrona Venture Group. Madrona previously took part in SNUPI’s $1.5m seed round, along with investment firm Radar Partners, in 2012. The Seattle-based firm has now secured $9m in venture funding.

The company is developing a wireless sensor network for the home which looks for water leaks and moisture. Six sensors are installed near hazard prone spaces, and are connected to a hub which can alert homeowners to water leaks or abnormal changes in temperature and humidity readings via text and email. According to the Insurance Information Institute, damage to due to water, freezing, and mould cost American homeowners $11bn in property loss over 2011.

Jeremy Jaech, chief executive and co-founder at SNUPI, said: “We are pleased to receive backing from our investors as we take our product to market. It’s been exciting for our team to bring this innovative communications and sensor technology out of the lab and into the consumer marketplace. Wally provides peace of mind to homeowners and solves a real problem using connected home technology.”