TailWind
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersWelland, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
TailWind firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TailWind
- Legal name
- 1931085 Ontario Ltd. DBA Tailwind
- Website
- https://gotailwind.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TailWind industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Smart Home Garage Door Controllers
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)
- SIC
- Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Smart Garage Door & Gate Controllers Retail (CRAIAMAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Automotive/Garage & Gate Access Control (Smart Garage Door, Driveway Gates) (HSAHAEAJ), Smart Locks & Access Control Retail (CRACAGAD), Home Automation Hub/Platform Integration for Electrical & HVAC (e.g., HomeKit/Google/Alexa) (HSAOANAI), Garage Door Sensor, Keypad & Remote Repair/Programming (HSAGAMAG)
Keywords
Where TailWind is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Welland
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
TailWind business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales (iQ3 Controllers): One-time hardware purchase of iQ3 smart garage door/gate controllers (2.0 and 2.1 models), priced at $89.99-$99.99 USD. Additional door kits and vehicle sensors sold as accessories. No monthly subscription fees required.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Revenue from additional products including door sensor kits ($39.99), vehicle sensors ($19.99), and mounting accessories. Recurring revenue opportunity from existing customer base wanting to expand system.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Tailwind iQ3 2.0 - Single door controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Tailwind iQ3 2.1 - Multi-door/gate controller |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Additional iQ3 2.1 Door Kit with J-Track Sensor |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Moko Technology H2 Vehicle Sensor |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
TailWind product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tailwind designs, manufactures, and sells WiFi-enabled smart garage door and gate controllers under the iQ3 product line, with patented auto-open/close technology triggered by vehicle detection and two-factor authentication. The hardware integrates with major smart home platforms (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, IFTTT, Home Assistant, Crestron, Control4) and is sold direct-to-consumer via gotailwind.com and through professional installer dealers with no monthly subscription fees.
Product overview
Tailwind offers a portfolio of smart garage door and gate controllers centered on the iQ3 platform. The current lineup includes the iQ3 2.1 (supporting up to 3 doors or 1 gate) and iQ3 2.0 (single door), both in their second generation. The ecosystem is complemented by the Moko Technology H2 Vehicle Sensor (required for iPhone auto-open functionality) and expansion door sensor kits. All products share the core patented technology enabling automatic garage door operation based on vehicle detection, integrate with major smart home platforms (HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, etc.), and require no monthly fees.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Tailwind iQ3 2.1 - 2nd Gen Smart Garage Door and Gate Controller Second-generation smart controller supporting up to 3 garage doors or 1 gate via dry contact, with digital control mode for modern openers, obstruction sensor input, and 12V-24V AC/DC power input for gate installations. Features patented auto-open/close based on vehicle detection and integrates with major smart home platforms (HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings). Priced at $99.99 USD.
- Tailwind iQ3 2.0 - 2nd Gen Smart Garage Door Controller Second-generation smart controller for a single garage door with digital and dry contact control modes, simplified installation, obstruction sensor input, pass-through wiring, and an optional PoE upgrade board. Priced at $89.99 USD.
- Tailwind iQ3 1st Generation Smart Garage Controller First-generation smart garage door controller with J-track mounted or universal sensor options; the original product that established Wirecutter's #1 rating.
- Moko Technology H2 Vehicle Sensor Bluetooth vehicle sensor required for iPhone users to enable auto-open/close features, and optional for Android users whose phones are not paired with their vehicle. IP65 rainproof, powered by replaceable CR2477 battery with ~1 year expected life.
- Additional iQ3 2.1 Door Kit with J-Track Sensor Expansion kit adding one additional garage door to the iQ3 2.1 controller (up to 3 total). Includes commercial-grade J-Track mount door sensor with 10-meter cables and sealed aluminum construction for moisture resistance. Priced at $39.99 USD; not compatible with the 1st generation iQ3.
Quantifiable outcome
- Wirecutter's #1 Rated Smart Garage Door Controller for 6 consecutive years
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use TailWind
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
TailWind technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration14 records
Feature8 records
TailWind partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Apple (HomeKit, Siri, CarPlay)coreNative integration with Apple HomeKit ecosystem, enabling voice control via Siri and automation through CarPlay. Delivers seamless experience for iOS users.
- Google (Home, Assistant, Android Auto)coreIntegration with Google Home and Assistant for voice control, plus Android Auto compatibility for automotive use cases.
- Amazon (Alexa)coreAmazon Alexa integration for voice control and smart home automation.
- Samsung (SmartThings)coreSmartThings integration enabling control within Samsung's smart home ecosystem.
- IFTTTcoreIFTTT integration enabling custom automations and connections with thousands of other services and devices.
- Home AssistantcoreIntegration with popular open-source home automation platform, supporting local control without cloud dependency.
- HubitatcoreIntegration with Hubitat Elevation hub for local, privacy-focused home automation.
- CrestroncoreIntegration with Crestron premium home automation systems used in high-end residential installations.
- Control4coreIntegration with Control4 professional home automation ecosystem for luxury installations.
- Moko Technology (H2 Vehicle Sensor)coreMoko Technology H2 vehicle sensor is the official compatible accessory for iPhone auto-open/close functionality. IP65-rated, rainproof sensor enables 2-factor vehicle authentication.
- Professional Smart Home InstallerscoreDealer program enables professional installers to offer Tailwind products with wholesale pricing, priority support, and marketing resources.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
TailWind competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Chamberlain Group (LiftMaster / Chamberlain / Merlin): Largest manufacturer of garage door openers and the dominant smart garage player with the MyQ ecosystem. Comparable because it owns roughly one-third of Canadian retail dollar share and competes head-to-head with Tailwind's controller on feature set, integrations, and installer channels.
- Genie (The Genie Company): Established garage door opener manufacturer with the Aladdin Connect smart platform. Comparable incumbent offering smart garage control bundled into opener hardware, competing with Tailwind on installer relationships and retail presence.
Direct peers
- Meross: Smart home accessories brand selling WiFi garage door openers, smart plugs, and switches. Direct competitor in the smart garage controller category with similar HomeKit/Google/Alexa support and DIY-friendly pricing targeting the same consumer segment.
- Nexx Technology: Direct-to-consumer smart garage door controller maker with WiFi connectivity, multi-platform integration, and DIY installation. Competes with Tailwind on price points, no-subscription positioning, and app-first user experience.
- Refoss: Smart garage door opener and smart home brand offering controllers compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Direct competitor on universal compatibility and no-fee model.
- iSmartGate: Smart garage door and gate controller with HomeKit, Google, Alexa, and IFTTT support. Closely comparable to Tailwind's gate-control expansion (iQ3 2.1), targeting both residential garage and driveway gate installations.
Emerging players
- Garadget: Crowdfunded WiFi smart garage door controller with cloud API and integration support. Niche direct competitor appealing to DIY/hobbyist segment that overlaps with Tailwind's Home Assistant and open-API users.
- Wyze: Mass-market smart home brand offering low-cost cameras, sensors, and a smart garage door controller. Comparable on DTC e-commerce smart home positioning and consumer price sensitivity, even though garage is one of many SKUs.
- Shelly (Allterco Robotics): Smart home relay and automation brand popular with Home Assistant users for local control of garage doors, gates, and appliances. Comparable on API-driven, no-subscription, local-control philosophy that overlaps with Tailwind's Home Assistant and local API positioning.
Others
- Matterport (smart home hubs / Aqara): Aqara is a broad smart home platform with hubs, sensors, and HomeKit/Google/Alexa/Matter support. Adjacent ecosystem player whose hub-driven architecture competes for the same smart home integration budget and DIY installer audience as Tailwind's controller.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TailWind social profiles
Digital presenceTailWind compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
TailWind financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TailWind leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
TailWind funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TailWind M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TailWind
What does TailWind do?
Tailwind designs, manufactures, and sells WiFi-enabled smart garage door and gate controllers under the iQ3 product line, with patented auto-open/close technology triggered by vehicle detection and two-factor authentication. The hardware integrates with major smart home platforms (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, IFTTT, Home Assistant, Crestron, Control4) and is sold direct-to-consumer via gotailwind.com and through professional installer dealers with no monthly subscription fees.
Is TailWind a public or private company?
TailWind is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was TailWind founded?
TailWind was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is TailWind based?
TailWind is headquartered in Welland, Canada, in the North America region.
How does TailWind make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales (iQ3 Controllers) is the primary driver. The others are accessories and Add-ons.
Who are TailWind's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Chamberlain Group (LiftMaster / Chamberlain / Merlin) and Genie (The Genie Company). Direct peers are Meross, Nexx Technology, Refoss and iSmartGate. Emerging players are Garadget, Wyze and Shelly (Allterco Robotics). Matterport (smart home hubs / Aqara) is listed as an others.
Does TailWind have an API?
Yes. Tailwind offers a Local Control API that allows users to create their own integrations. The API enables local control of garage doors and gates, supporting custom integrations beyond the pre-built platform connections. Developer documentation is at Not specified.
What industry is TailWind in?
TailWind's product category is Smart Home Garage Door Controllers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIAMAK, Smart Garage Door & Gate Controllers Retail, with a secondary code of HSAHAEAJ, Automotive/Garage & Gate Access Control (Smart Garage Door, Driveway Gates). Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 3822.