ANTHONY Chow’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet frustrating challenge: Simplifying the logistics of managing physical key handovers for Airbnb rentals.
Recognising the opportunity to streamline this process, Chow co-founded igloocompany, aiming to create a “world without keys”.
From these beginnings, igloo has rapidly evolved, offering smart locks and comprehensive digital access solutions for consumers and enterprises alike.
Today, as the winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Technology Solutions award, Chow is celebrated for leading a pioneering company in smart access technology.
Chow’s experience as an Airbnb host laid the foundation for his vision for innovative access solutions, which has expanded beyond consumer applications to serve thousands of enterprise clients worldwide.
“As a former Airbnb host, my co-founders and I personally experienced the hassle of managing physical key exchanges for guests. It was clear that traditional methods were outdated and inconvenient, not just for hosts like me, but for property managers and homeowners alike,” he recalls.
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“This pain point inspired the creation of igloocompany, with the vision to build a world without keys. We want to create a world where keys are a thing of the past.”
His experience inspired the development of the company’s first digital locks, and a business model focused on making access simpler and more secure for both individuals and property managers.
A breakthrough with Airbnb
One of igloo’s early milestones was securing a partnership with Airbnb.
Chow’s determination to tie up with vacation rental giant led him to camp outside Airbnb’s San Francisco headquarters for three months, lobbying for a collaboration that would eventually propel igloo into a broader market.
With this strategic partnership, igloo quickly gained traction in the short-term rental market, which laid the groundwork for future expansion.
In 2020, Chow led igloo’s expansion into the US, a move that presented significant opportunities and challenges. The venture was demanding, as it required setting up an office in Austin, Texas, and navigating cultural differences across igloo’s eight regional offices.
“The US market is one of the largest in the world for property management and rental industries, with millions of single-family and multi-family rental units. The opportunity to provide smart access solutions to this expansive market, where the demand for keyless entry is growing rapidly, made the decision to expand a strategic one,” he explains.
The bet on North America has paid off, with the region now contributing more than 50 per cent of the company’s revenue.
Pushing innovation
As the company scaled, Chow recognised the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity across the organisation’s global team. With more than 20 nationalities represented, igloo embraces diverse perspectives as a source of strength.
“At igloo, innovation stems from open communication and collaboration,” says Chow.
This inclusive culture is further supported by initiatives such as the #iglooSpeakerSeries, where thought leaders are invited to share insights on emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity and smart access, keeping the team at the leading edge of the industry.
One of Chow’s most ambitious innovations has been the development of iglooworks, igloo’s enterprise software for business-to-business (B2B) customers.
Today, the division supports over 2,500 businesses globally, and is fuelling the growth of the company worldwide. This expansion into the B2B space has also cemented igloo’s role as a leader in digital access technology.
Under Chow’s leadership, igloo has continually embraced technology as a catalyst for transformation.
In 2023, the company reached an industry milestone by sending the world’s first smart padlock to space, an achievement that captured Chow’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
“Our #unlockSpace campaign symbolises our belief in persistence and innovation,” he remarks.
This groundbreaking venture demonstrated igloo’s ability to deliver solutions in even the most challenging environments, bolstering the brand’s credibility in the tech space.
Unlocking new opportunities
Chow is now focused on expanding the company’s product offerings, particularly through an iglooconnect marketplace, a platform that enables seamless integration between igloo’s smart locks and various third-party services.
For instance, property managers can link igloohome smart locks with their booking systems, ensuring guests receive unique access codes automatically upon reservation.
Iglooconnect already boasts over 500 integrations with third-party providers.
The company is also prioritising sustainability by developing power-saving and battery-less technologies designed to extend product lifecycles and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, the company is adding AI to its platform to provide more customised access options and improve the overall experience for users.
In terms of expansion, Chow and his team is focused on expanding its presence in the US and European markets, where it has identified significant growth opportunities in property management and the rental sharing economy.
Looking further ahead, igloo is exploring new sectors such as eldercare, critical infrastructure, and smart cities, areas where its access solutions could play a pivotal role.
Chow advises other entrepreneurs to make an effort to truly understand their target audience’s pain points and building solutions that address real-world needs. “A product is only as valuable as the impact it creates for the end-user,” he notes.
He also recommends seeking out mentors and advisers who believe in the company’s vision and can provide guidance through the challenges of growth.
He adds: “Finally, never stop learning. The best entrepreneurs are the best learners, constantly adapting, growing, and staying humble and hungry to learn.”
