Techko

What Techko does

Techko (legal entity Techko Kobot, Inc.) is a privately held, family-owned home electronics company founded in 1982 and headquartered in Tustin, California, with operations in the United States. The company designs and manufactures four product categories in-house: (1) UL 2017-certified pool safety alarms using magnetic sensor technology with bypass buttons and patented secondary screen door sensors; (2) outdoor solar lighting including pathway, wall, fence, pillar, decorative, Japanese Zen, and premium aluminum lines, all rated IP65 with dusk-to-dawn operation and 8-10 hours of battery life; (3) solar and UV bug zappers featuring a patented 360° Easy-Clean Brush; and (4) home wellness products sold under the Kobot sub-brand (cordless handheld vacuums) plus water quality testers, milk frothers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. The company has pivoted through multiple categories over four decades — landline telephones (1982), home security (1990), paper shredders (2000), robot vacuums (2008-2018, discontinued), and its current solar outdoor focus (2018-present) — and holds three US patents including the 360° Easy-Clean Brush and the secondary screen door sensor.

Techko monetizes through unit-pricing direct-to-consumer sales on its owned techkogroup.com storefront and a broad multi-channel retail distribution footprint that includes Amazon, Home Depot, Wayfair, Lowe's, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Leslie's Pool, Poolcorp, QVC, HSN, Camping World, Tractor Supply, ACE Hardware, and Shop My Exchange. Pricing per unit ranges from $14.99 to $199.99 across SKUs, with seasonal sale discounts exceeding 30%. A wholesale B2B motion serves pool contractors, property managers, and vacation rental businesses with volume pricing. The company has approximately 11-50 employees, claims 50,000+ household customers supported by 2,630+ verified reviews, and has not raised any disclosed external funding, operating as a bootstrapped family business under founder and chairman Joseph Ko.

The customer base is heavily diversified across residential consumers seeking child pool safety, outdoor decor, garden lighting, and pest control; licensed pool contractors and property managers sourcing certified products for inspection compliance; and county/local building inspectors who accept UL 2017-certified Techko alarms as approval evidence. Marketing relies on owned channels (company blog, Instagram @officialtechko), earned media (Better Homes & Gardens feature), retail partner co-marketing, and verified reviews via Judge.me. The company faces structural challenges typical of small consumer-electronics OEMs — concentrated retail buyer power, commodity component exposure, and category churn risk — but is largely insulated from software/AI disruption in its current product set.

Name

Techko

Legal name

Techko Kobot, Inc.

Website

https://techkogroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Techko is a family-owned US home electronics manufacturer founded in 1982, producing UL 2017-certified pool safety alarms, outdoor solar lighting, solar bug zappers, and Kobot-branded cordless handheld vacuums for residential consumers, pool contractors, and property managers via its website and 14+ major retail channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pool Safety & Outdoor Lighting

NAICS

Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing (335210), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Alarm Systems & Monitoring Kits Retail (CRAIAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Smart Home Sensors & Monitoring (Motion, Leak, Smoke/CO, Environmental) Retail (CRACAGAJ), Water Testing Kits & Monitoring (Household) (CRAJAJAL)

Keywords

• Pool safety alarms
• Outdoor solar lighting
• Bug zapper lanterns
• Cordless handheld vacuums
• Consumer home electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Consumer Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through techkogroup.com e-commerce storefront and major retail partners (Amazon, Home Depot, Wayfair, Lowe's, Walmart, Target, Best Buy) selling solar lighting, pool alarms, bug zappers, and home electronics.
2. Wholesale/B2B Sales: Wholesale pricing for contractors, vacation rental businesses, and property managers purchasing pool alarms and outdoor lighting products for commercial and residential property installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Techko (formally Techko Kobot, Inc.) designs, manufactures, and sells UL 2017 certified pool safety alarms, solar-powered outdoor lighting (pathway, wall, decorative, security, and Japanese Zen lanterns), solar bug zappers with patented 360° Easy-Clean brush technology, and Kobot-branded cordless handheld vacuums along with small home electronics such as humidifiers, milk frothers, and water quality testers. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via techkogroup.com and through wholesale distribution to contractors and vacation rental businesses.

Product overview

Techko offers a diversified portfolio of consumer electronics focused on home safety, outdoor lighting, pest control, and home wellness. The product line is organized into four core categories: (1) Pool & Security - including UL 2017 compliant pool alarms (S187D, S189, S287) and solar security lights; (2) Outdoor Solar Lighting - spanning pathway lights, wall/fence lights, decorative lanterns, Japanese Zen garden lights, bug zapper tiki torches, garden decor statues, and premium aluminum series lights; (3) Bug Zappers - solar and UV-powered insect traps with patented 360° Easy-Clean Brush technology; (4) Home & Wellness - including Kobot cordless handheld vacuums, water quality TDS meters, milk frothers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. The company also previously offered robot vacuums and paper shredders which have been discontinued. All products are designed and manufactured in-house with IP65 waterproof ratings standard for outdoor products. Notable brand names include Techko (core safety/lighting), Kobot (vacuum line), and the company operates as Techko Kobot, Inc.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kobot: Sub-brand for cordless handheld vacuums and robot vacuum accessories. Products include the Kobot Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum and related vacuum accessories.

Products and services

• Techko Safe Pool Alarm S187D UL 2017 compliant pool alarm that monitors gates, doors, windows, and sliding doors. Features 115 dB alarm siren, bypass buttons, and patented secondary screen door sensor. Weather resistant with IP65 rating.
• Techko Ultra Slim Pool Safety and Entry Alarm S189 UL 2017 compliant slim-profile pool alarm for gates, doors, and windows. Features IP65 waterproof rating and low battery indicator. Powered by three AAA batteries.
• Techko Strobe Safe Pool Alarm S287 UL 2017 compliant pool alarm with high-visibility strobe light for additional visual alarm. Features 115 dB siren and IP65 waterproof rating.
• Techko Magnetic Sensor Alarm S283 Magnetic sensor alarm for pool and security applications.
• Techko Hanging Safety Guard Alarm S284 Hanging safety guard alarm for pool security monitoring.
• Techko Solar Security Flood Light with Motion Sensor SSL-308 Solar-powered security flood light with integrated motion sensor for outdoor security lighting.
• Techko Solar Pathway Spotlights (2-Pack) SHL-904 Solar-powered pathway spotlights with dual lighting modes (high/low brightness), adjustable solar panel, IP65 waterproof rating. Lights up to 10 hours on full charge.
• Techko Solar Portable Lantern with Wall Mount STL-238 Dual lighting mode solar portable lantern with wall mount. Features dusk-til-dawn operation and IP65 waterproof rating.
• Techko Solar Wall Light Bi-directional SSL-305 Bi-directional solar wall light for outdoor wall and fence mounting. Wire-free installation with IP65 waterproof rating.
• Techko Solar Floating Pool Light (2-Pack) SPL-101 Solar-powered floating pool lights for pool decoration and nighttime visibility. Includes 2-pack.
• Techko Solar Candle Vintage Hanging Lantern SCL-2202 Solar-powered vintage candle-style hanging lantern with flickering flame effect for decorative outdoor lighting.
• Techko Solar-Powered Japanese Garden Lights (Zen Lanterns) SJL Series Solar-powered Japanese Zen garden lanterns available in Small (SJL-601), Medium (SJL-602), and Large (SJL-603) sizes.
• Techko Solar Edison Bulb Wall Light Sconce with Motion Sensor STL-2501 Solar wall sconce with Edison bulb and integrated motion sensor. Motion detection within 15-foot radius. IP65 waterproof.
• Techko Solar Sphere Pillar Light with Remote SHL-910 Solar-powered sphere pillar light with wireless remote control for fence posts and pillars.
• Techko Solar Vintage Pillar & Fence Post Light with Remote SHL-909 Solar-powered vintage classic pillar and fence post light with wireless remote control.
• Techko Solar Tiki Torches (2-Pack) SHL-901 Solar-powered tiki torch lights with multiple lighting modes (flame, still, pulse). Set of 2 torches for pathway and garden lighting.
• Techko Solar Classic Pathway Light SKL-504 Solar-powered classic pathway light with dual lighting modes (amber or white light). IP65 waterproof with 8-10 hours battery life.
• Techko Solar Reflective Pathway Light SGL-406 Solar-powered reflective pathway light with dual lighting modes for driveways and walkways.
• Techko Outdoor Solar L-Shaped Path Lights (2-pack) SHL-907 Outdoor solar L-shaped path lights in 2-pack for landscape lighting. IP65 waterproof rated.
• Techko Outdoor Solar Spotlight with Wall-Mount & Ground-Stake SHL-921 Versatile outdoor solar spotlight with both wall-mount and ground-stake options for flexible installation.
• Techko Solar Cylinder Wall Light SSL-302 Dual-direction solar cylinder wall light. IP65 waterproof with 8-10 hours battery life.
• Techko Solar Wall Lantern STL-205 Solar wall lantern with clear panel for outdoor wall mounting. IP65 waterproof rating.
• Techko Solar Classic Wall Light with Wall Mount SKL-506 Solar classic wall light with dual lighting modes and wall mount. IP65 waterproof.
• Techko Premium Aluminum Solar Lights (SML Series) Premium line of aluminum solar lights including landscape LED spotlights, pagoda motion sensor wall sconces, L-shaped pathway lights, round pathway lights with motion detection, wall sconces with LED lightbars, and Edison bulb options.
• Techko Solar Garden Decor (Statue Series SG-801 to SG-827) Solar-powered garden decor statues including gnomes, parrots, pandas, thinkers, religious figures, and more with integrated high-power solar spotlights.
• Techko Solar Decorative Portable Lanterns (SPL-700 Series) Solar decorative portable lanterns in seasonal themes including Christmas, Halloween, dinosaurs, moon & star, squirrel, and rabbit designs.
• Techko Solar Floating Multi-color Pool Light (2-Pack) SPL-102 Solar floating pool lights with multi-color options. 2-pack for pool decoration.
• Techko Solar Welcome Home Lanterns SJL-661/SJL-663 Solar welcome home lanterns available in small (15.5 inch) and large (33.3 inch) sizes for entryway lighting.
• Techko Solar Bug Zapper Lantern with 360° Easy-Clean Brush SZL-1101 Solar-powered bug zapper lantern with patented 360° Easy-Clean Brush for easy maintenance. Chemical-free insect killer using 900V UV LED light. Covers approximately 1/2 acre. USB-C charging for indoor use. IP65 waterproof.
• Techko Solar Bug Zapper Torch with 360° Easy-Clean Brush SZL-1102 Solar-powered tiki torch style bug zapper with patented 360° Easy-Clean Brush. 900V UV solar power, lithium-ion battery, USB-C charging. Includes ground stake and table stand. IP65 waterproof.
• Techko UV Insect Trap Indoor with Large Sticky Glue Pad GBZ-1201 UV light indoor insect trap with large sticky glue pad. Wall mount or countertop placement. For home and restaurant use.
• Techko Bug Zapper Replacement Parts (UV Bulbs & Glue Pads) Replacement UV tube bulbs and glue sticky pads for Techko bug zapper products.
• Kobot Multi-Mode Cordless Vacuum CL-202 Multi-mode cordless vacuum with multiple cleaning modes for versatile home cleaning.
• KOBOT Compact Handheld Car Vacuum CL-105 Compact handheld cordless car vacuum with strong suction power. USB charging. Includes crevice and brush tools.
• KOBOT Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum CL-101/CL-108 Portable cordless handheld vacuum for kitchen and car cleaning. Features washable filter, strong suction, and included accessories.
• KOBOT Portable Wand Vacuum CL-106 Portable wand-style cordless vacuum for extended reach cleaning.
• KOBOT Mini Tabletop Handheld Vacuum (2-pack) CL-103 Mini tabletop handheld vacuum 2-pack for small cleaning tasks. USB charging.
• KOBOT Portable Cordless Car Vacuum CL-102 Portable cordless car vacuum with ergonomic design. Washable filter and strong suction.
• Kobot Flexible Rechargeable Cordless Vacuum CL-201 Flexible rechargeable cordless vacuum with multi-mode cleaning capabilities.
• Techko Water Quality Tester Portable TDS Meter Digital CGE-101 Portable digital TDS water quality tester measuring total dissolved solids in ppm. Lab-grade accuracy (+/- 2% ppm), measurement range 0-9,990 ppm. Includes integrated digital thermometer (°C/°F). For drinking water, aquariums, pools, hydroponics, and RO/DI systems.
• Techko Mini Handheld Milk Frother CGE-102 Mini handheld electric milk frother whisk for coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, matcha, and protein shakes. 8,000 rpm, battery powered (2x AA), stainless steel whisk. Ergonomic one-touch operation.
• Techko Room Dehumidifier DHF-3201 Room dehumidifier for home, basement, closet, and bathroom. 800mL capacity.
• Techko Elegant LED Ultrasonic Mist Humidifier UHF-3105 LED ultrasonic mist humidifier with elegant design for home and office use.
• Techko Modern Ultrasonic Mist Humidifier UHF-3108 Modern ultrasonic mist humidifier for personal use.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ households trust Techko products
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and regional.

• AmazoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary online marketplace channel for Techko products including pool alarms, solar lights, and bug zappers sold through Amazon store presence.
• Home DepotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor home improvement retail partner offering Techko pool alarms and outdoor solar lighting products in stores and online.
• WayfaircoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHome furnishings marketplace featuring Techko solar lighting and outdoor decorative products.
• Lowe'scoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHome improvement retail chain offering Techko products for pool safety and outdoor lighting.
• WalmartmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMass merchant retailer offering Techko consumer products across their retail and online channels.
• TargetmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational retail chain featuring Techko home and outdoor products in stores and online.
• Best BuymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectronics retailer offering Techko products including pool alarms and solar lighting.
• KohlsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDepartment store retailer offering Techko home and outdoor products.
• Lamps PlusregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLighting specialty retailer featuring Techko solar lighting products.
• Leslie's PoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPool supplies specialty retailer offering Techko UL 2017 certified pool alarms for pool safety compliance.
• PoolcorpcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial pool equipment distributor offering Techko pool safety products to contractors and pool service companies.
• QVCregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVideo and online shopping retailer featuring Techko home and outdoor products.
• HSNregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHome shopping network retailer offering Techko consumer products.
• ACE HardwareregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHardware cooperative retailer offering Techko home and outdoor products.
• Camping WorldregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRV and outdoor recreation retailer offering Techko solar lighting and pest control products.
• Tractor SupplyregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRural lifestyle retailer offering Techko outdoor and home products.
• Shop My ExchangeregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMilitary exchange retailer offering Techko products for military communities.
• Heritage Pool Supply GroupregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPool supplies distributor offering Techko pool safety products.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lifebuoy Pool Alarm Systems: Lifebuoy offers pool entry alarm systems designed for child pool safety compliance. Direct competitor to Techko's UL 2017 certified pool alarms in the residential and commercial pool safety market.
• Aspectek: Aspectek manufactures indoor and outdoor bug zappers, UV insect traps, and pest control devices. Direct competitor to Techko's solar bug zapper lantern and torch products in the consumer pest control category.
• Sunforce: Sunforce Products manufactures solar-powered outdoor lighting, solar panels, and renewable energy consumer products. Direct competitor to Techko in solar pathway lights, security lighting, and home improvement distribution channels.
• Flowtron: Flowtron is an established manufacturer of electronic insect killers and bug zappers for residential and commercial use. Comparable to Techko's bug zapper line in technology, channel placement, and end-user segments.
• Poolguard: Poolguard is a leading manufacturer of UL-compliant pool safety alarms, including door/gate and immersion models. Direct competitor to Techko in the UL 2017 certified pool alarm category targeting residential homeowners and pool inspectors.
• Mr Beams: Mr Beams specializes in wireless, battery-powered and solar outdoor LED lighting for pathways, security, and accent applications. Directly comparable to Techko's outdoor solar lighting line with overlapping retail channels and DIY-install positioning.

Broad incumbents

• SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a leading DIY home security system provider with door/window sensors, motion detectors, and monitored alarms. Comparable to Techko's historical door/window alarm line and current motion-sensor lighting as a broader home security incumbent.
• Ring (Amazon): Ring is a major smart home security brand offering outdoor security cameras, floodlight cams, and motion-sensing lighting. Comparable to Techko's solar security flood lights and pool safety sensors as a broader smart home safety incumbent with significantly larger scale and R&D budget.
• Black+Decker: Black+Decker is a major small electrical appliance and home products brand including handheld vacuums and outdoor products. Comparable to Techko's Kobot cordless vacuum line as a much larger incumbent in small household appliances.
• Eufy (Anker Innovations): Eufy offers a broad smart home portfolio including outdoor security cameras with solar panels, smart lighting, and robotic vacuums. Comparable to Techko across multiple categories (solar security lighting, cordless vacuums) as a tech-forward multi-category consumer brand.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/officialtechko

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Techko