LoopKey

LoopKey, a Brazilian startup established in 2012, has carved a niche in the access control market through its keyless entry systems. The company has ceased its own app and online services as of February 17, 2025, and now directs its customers to compatible third-party applications like Vingcard Livvi to manage their existing LoopKey hardware.

Operating in the hardware, cyber security, and IoT sectors, LoopKey developed a cloud-based access control platform. This platform catered to clients such as property managers, particularly in the vacation and urban rental markets, by providing a centralized dashboard to manage multiple lock devices. The business model focused on the sale of its smart lock hardware, with an optional connectivity package for enhanced features. The product line included smart locks, like the LoopKey Bio, which offered multiple authentication methods including smartphone access via iOS and Android, Apple Watch, numerical passwords, access cards, and biometrics. The locks were designed for easy installation and featured long battery life.

A key feature of LoopKey's offering was the ability to grant and manage access remotely. Property owners could provide temporary access to guests or staff for specific time periods directly from their smartphone or computer, a feature particularly beneficial for Airbnb hosts. The system also maintained access logs, allowing users to monitor who entered and when. For enhanced functionality, a 'Connectivity Package' was available as an add-on, which kept the devices constantly connected to the cloud. This enabled remote unlocking from anywhere, real-time synchronization of access logs, and integration with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home.

Despite developing what they described as 100% Brazilian access control technology (manufactured in China), the company faced significant headwinds. Challenges associated with building a hardware product in a risk-averse investment climate, compounded by the pandemic and currency fluctuations, led to the decision to wind down its direct service operations. LoopKey now ensures continuity for its hardware users by facilitating migration to other compatible management solutions. Keywords: access control, smart locks, keyless entry, property technology, proptech, vacation rental technology, Airbnb automation, remote access management, IoT security, cloud-based access, hardware startup, LoopKey Bio, Vingcard Livvi, real estate technology, smart home integration, biometric access, mobile access control, digital keys, property management solutions, brazilian startup