Introduction
I was recently invited to join the Technology for Living podcast. I got to share the personal story behind RYSE: how one everyday frustration with my apartment blinds turned into a mission to transform homes everywhere. In our conversation, we talked about how RYSE started and how smart home tech, especially retrofit solutions can make life easier for everyone, from tech enthusiasts to people with mobility challenges.
A Frustration That Turned Into a Mission
During the podcast, I had a chance to reflect on how RYSE really started and it all came down to one simple, frustrating moment in my own apartment.
I had just moved in and the views were incredible. I had floor-to-ceiling windows. I wanted the convenience of automation. When I asked around, every dealer told me the same thing: “You’ll need to replace your blinds entirely to motorize them.”
That didn’t make sense to me. The shades were in perfect condition. Why throw them out? Why wasn’t there just a motor that could attach to the chain? I was surprised that there wasn’t a solution like this in the market?
When I couldn’t find a product like that on the market, I decided to build it myself. That first prototype, born from my own need, eventually became the RYSE SmartShade.
From a Personal Fix to a Company Vision
What began as a DIY solution quickly turned into a mission: To create retrofit smart devices that work with the window coverings people already have.
We believe that you shouldn’t need to replace what already works just to make your home smarter. We’ve since developed multiple products around that philosophy which include RYSE SmartShade for beaded chain shades and RYSE SmartCurtain for motorizing existing curtains.
This year, we’re gearing up to launch our third product: SmartBlind, which automates the tilt function on traditional blinds with a wand.
Helping People Live Smarter and More Independently
As we grew, I started hearing how RYSE was making life easier for people beyond the typical smart home user. People with mobility challenges. Older adults. Folks living in apartments or rental units. This had not crossed my mind earlier but I was very happy we could have an impact.
I realized RYSE wasn’t just a convenience. It was offering independence, privacy, and comfort to people who really needed it. That inspired us to work with organizations like Technology for Living, which helps bring accessible tech to the communities who benefit most.
Designed for Everyday Life
We built RYSE to be easy. Setup takes minutes. No drilling, no rewiring. Just attach the motor to your shade or curtain, connect it to your app or voice assistant, and you’re good to go.
We also added features like:
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Sunrise/sunset scheduling
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On-device buttons for guests
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Voice control through Alexa, Google, and Apple Home
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A smart button for homes without voice tech
And soon, we’re launching location-based automation, so your shades close when you leave and open when you return.
What’s Next
We’re launching a USB-C rechargeable battery. A next-gen smart button with up/down controls. And a brand-new product we’ll reveal later this year.
But no matter what we create, our goal stays the same, which is to make smart living simpler, more accessible, and more sustainable, without asking you to start from scratch.
