iFunding two iPhone Apps: Whrrl and iControl

Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, the firm behind a $100 million venture capital for official iPhone application development, told iPhone Atlas that its managers have been been overwhelmed by the response and subsequent slew of applications submitted for iFunding.

Since the program's inception months ago, KPCB has received 1700 applications. So far two of those applications have been publicly revealed as accepted into the program and officially funded. They are: Pelago's Whrrl and iControl Networks iControl. KPCB has also extended one other offer to another startup and another 10 are being seriously considered.

iControl raised $15.5 Million in Series B funding led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers on April 2, 2008 there is no information available regarding funding for Pelago at this time.

Whrrl is a social discovery service and will be available on the iPhone as a native application in June 2008. According to their website: "Pelago's first product, Whrrl, allows you to discover the world through the eyes of your friends and other people you trust. [...] This application will allow you to discover places, movies and other events through the eyes and activities of your friends. You'll even be able to track where you've been and where you are going all in real time."

Whrrl is currently available as a native application for some other mobile phones, an as an SMS-accessible function -- though text message fees stunt this option for iPhone users. Additionally the tracking feature of Whrrl will more raise some privacy eyebrows, and Pelago isn't hiding that fact that some of the information will be used for marketing purposes. Businesses may be able to reach you to offer you freebies, incentives, etc. based on your previous places visited and other data. Some level of restriction is available, but it's suggested that you read through the Whrrl FAQ which covers the application and privacy issues before signing up.

iControl is a application for the iPhone for home automation that allows you to control devices in your home and is directly tied into home security systems. It interfaces to the iControl iHub giving you wireless access to devices on your home network to things like security panels, IP cameras, sensors and Z-Wave-based home automation devices like lighting, door locks, thermostats, etc. The system is currently compatible with existing systems from GE Security and Honeywell. Both live and still video is available and remote access is provided by web or mobile phone. Notifications via email and text messaging are also available to notify you regarding events, alarms, etc.

While we haven't received word regarding any other applications funded by KPCB, it's possible that one or more may be revealed during Apple's introduction of iPhone OS 2.0, speculatively slated for June 9th -- the kick-off for Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference.

If you or anyone else you know get's iFunded we'd like to hear about it at info@iphoneatlas.com.