JCI Ventures

JCI Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Johnson Controls International, a global leader in building technologies and solutions. Founded in 2000 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area — with Johnson Controls headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — the firm invests in startups that are strategically aligned with JCI's core markets and adjacent opportunities. The investment thesis centers on creating intelligent, energy-efficient, and secure buildings and environments for the next generation of smart cities. Focus areas include AI and machine learning, IoT, blockchain, robotics, security, and smart building technologies. The firm also previously operated as Tyco Ventures following Johnson Controls' 2016 merger with Tyco. JCI Ventures has made 43 investments with 10 exits. The portfolio spans seed through Series B stages with checks typically in the $1 million to $10 million range. Notable holdings include Artisight (an IoT platform for smart hospitals, last invested October 2024), Alcatraz (AI-powered access control), Audette (building decarbonization software), Nozomi Networks (OT/IoT cybersecurity, which raised a $100 million round — Johnson Controls also signed a services framework agreement with the company), and ENVIRO-TEC (HVAC). The most recent exit was Nozomi Networks in September 2025. Portfolio companies gain access to Johnson Controls' global network of resources and its massive installed customer base across commercial and industrial buildings worldwide. This strategic access — to distribution channels, pilot sites, and enterprise customers — is the primary value-add JCI Ventures extends beyond capital. The firm is led by Senior Director Rain Cui.