Stanford-Start X fund, an investment vehicle affiliated with Stanford University, backed a $21m series A tranche for US-based internet of things (IoT) developer Brilliant on Wednesday.

The round was led by VC firm August Capital with contributions from Miramar Ventures and BoxGroup.

Brilliant has developed a smart touch panel for lighting, heating and other connected household products. The device replaces an ordinary light switch so the operator can make adjustments without carrying a smartphone.

The cash will help prepare for…