SimpliSafe
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Home security |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Chad Laurans, Eleanor Laurans |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom |
Key people | Christian Cerda (CEO), Crystal Caliguiri (Chief Customer Experience Officer), Rebecca Zavin (Chief Technology Officer) |
| Products | Home security systems, monitoring services, security cameras, smart locks |
Number of employees | ~250 (2015) |
| Website | simplisafe |
SimpliSafe, Inc. is a private company specializing in home security solutions, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 2006, the firm develops and markets security systems alongside monitoring services.
2006–2009: Company Inception
The origins of SimpliSafe trace back to 2006 when Chad and Eleanor Laurans, then students at Harvard Business School, identified a gap in the market for renter-friendly home security options after several acquaintances in the Cambridge area experienced burglaries. Unable to find suitable security providers catering to renters, they embarked on creating an alternative.[1][2]
Between 2006 and 2008, the Laurans operated from their residence, developing the concept. Chad Laurans engineered the security system and conducted trials at friends’ homes to gather practical feedback.[1][3] In 2009, with support from angel investors, SimpliSafe officially entered the market as one of the first companies to offer a do-it-yourself (DIY) home security system.[4][5]
2010–2015
The company's revenue reached $1.4 million in 2010. By 2013, this figure had grown substantially to $38.5 million.
In May 2014, SimpliSafe secured a $57 million investment from Sequoia Capital during its Series A funding round. That year, the business reported having over 100,000 subscribers and was recognized as the second-fastest growing enterprise in the Boston region on the Inc. 5000 list.
By 2015, SimpliSafe's workforce expanded from approximately 100 to around 250 employees, with its customer base rising to an estimated 300,000. Additionally, the company began distributing its products through major national retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target.
2016–2019
In February 2016, the independent security firm IOActive revealed a potential vulnerability within SimpliSafe’s RF system that could be exploited to disable the security devices. The company acknowledged this issue, attributing it to the lack of encryption on wireless signals. To address this, a firmware update was released in 2018 that implemented encryption across all signals.
June 2017 saw the introduction of SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam security camera alongside Video Verification—a service enabling professional monitoring agents to access camera footage and confirm active emergency situations within customers’ homes.
At the January 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), SimpliSafe unveiled the third generation of its product lineup, designed to support frequent firmware updates aimed at mitigating RF vulnerabilities. This updated system also featured a refreshed design developed in collaboration with design agency IDEO.
On June 29, 2018, SimpliSafe announced that private equity firm Hellman & Friedman had acquired a controlling stake in the company through a transaction valuing SimpliSafe at $1 billion. Later that year in October, the company expanded its camera offerings by launching the Video Doorbell Pro, enhancing customers' ability to monitor activity outside their homes.
SimpliSafe extended its reach internationally in April 2019 by establishing an office in Manchester, England, thereby enabling it to provide home security solutions to consumers across the United Kingdom.
On August 21, 2019, the company introduced its Smart Lock product. In December of the same year, Christian Cerda—formerly Chief Operating Officer at iRobot—was appointed as SimpliSafe’s new Chief Executive Officer.
2020–2024
In 2020, SimpliSafe established a customer service center located in Richmond, Virginia.
By August 2021, the company expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, marking its first outdoor surveillance solution and enhancing protection beyond indoor environments.
In May 2022, SimpliSafe secured over $200 million in additional capital to fuel its expansion efforts while also restructuring its existing debt facilities. This round of funding was backed by affiliates of Capital One, N.A., HPS Investment Partners, Owl Rock (a Blue Owl division), and Eastern Bank.
October 2022 saw SimpliSafe inaugurate the home security sector’s first monitoring center that it owns and operates directly, based in Richmond, Virginia. Later that year, the company debuted the Bell Box product in the United Kingdom, responding to high customer demand in that market.
At the start of 2023, SimpliSafe transitioned its headquarters from its original Boston location at 294 Washington Street to a larger facility at 100 Summer Street. This new office includes dedicated spaces for research and development as well as a maker space for innovation activities.
In June 2023, SimpliSafe introduced the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera alongside a new service offering 24/7 live guard protection. This monitoring capability enables professional agents to communicate with intruders through the camera and promptly notify emergency responders during criminal incidents.
That same year, two key executives joined SimpliSafe’s leadership team: Crystal Caliguiri assumed the role of Chief Customer Experience Officer, and Rebecca Zavin was appointed as Chief Technology Officer.
System overview
Every SimpliSafe setup includes a Base Station paired with a Keypad. These systems are intended for easy self-installation, although customers may opt for professional installation services if preferred. Earlier versions relied solely on cellular networks, whereas the third-generation models utilize both cellular and Wi-Fi connections to maintain uninterrupted service during cellular disruptions. The wireless components operate on lithium batteries, ensuring functionality even if the main power supply is cut. When used independently, SimpliSafe devices serve as audible alarms, producing an 85-decibel siren sound.
Services
Beyond hardware sales, SimpliSafe provides security plans that are either self-monitored or professionally monitored, all without requiring long-term commitments.
- Fast Protect Monitoring: Delivers round-the-clock emergency response dispatch, covering police, fire departments, and medical services.
- Standard Monitoring: Ensures continuous system oversight with emergency dispatch and environmental hazard alerts.
Integrations
On April 10, 2018, SimpliSafe partnered with August Smart Lock to enable automatic door locking and unlocking synchronized with system arming and disarming. The same year, SimpliSafe became compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to inquire about system status and arm their security system using voice commands; however, disarming via Alexa is not supported. Later, on September 19, 2018, integration with Google Assistant was introduced, offering similar voice-controlled status checks and arming capabilities.
Recognition
Since its founding, SimpliSafe has earned numerous accolades that emphasize both its cutting-edge technology and positive workplace environment. Among the distinguished honors are:
- Named a “Best Customer Service” provider by Newsweek consecutively from 2020 through 2024
- Recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by the Boston Business Journal in the years 2021 and 2022
- Awarded “Best Overall Home Security Systems” by U.S. News & World Report in 2020, 2022, and 2023
- Honored as the “Best DIY Alarm System” by CNET in both 2020 and 2021
References
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