SimpliSafe is a home security company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company produces and sells professional home security systems and monitoring services.
History
(2006-2009: Founding)
SimpliSafe was founded in 2006 by then-Harvard Business School students, Chad and Eleanor Laurans after several friends in the Cambridge area experienced home break-ins, but couldn't find a security company that was designed to help renters.[2][3]
The couple worked on SimpliSafe in their own home from 2006 to 2008.[2][4] Mr Laurans designed the system and tested it at friends’ residences for feedback.[2] SimpliSafe officially launched in 2009 with initial funding from angel investors, introducing the industry's first do-it-yourself (DIY) home security system.[5][6]
(2010-2015: Expansion)
In 2010, revenue for the company was $1.4 million.[7] In 2013 revenue was $38.5 million.[8]
In May 2014, Sequoia Capital invested $57 million in SimpliSafe through a Series A round of funding.[9][10][5] The same year, the company was reported to have more than 100,000 subscribing customers and was listed as the second-fastest growing company in the Boston area on the Inc. 5000 list.[6][8]
In 2015, SimpliSafe grew from 100 employees to about 250 employees, and was reported to have 300,000 customers.[2][11]
That same year, SimpliSafe launched its products to retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target.
(2016-2019: Continued Innovation)
In February 2016, independent security firm IOActive identified a potential RF system vulnerability that could be used to target SimpliSafe and other RF-based monitoring systems, allowing them to be disabled.[12] The company acknowledged the vulnerability, noting that the vulnerability was caused by unencrypted signals. In 2018, the company released a firmware update that encrypted all signals to solve the vulnerability.[13]
In June 2017, SimpliSafe launched its SimpliCam security camera as well as Video Verification, a feature that allows SimpliSafe's professional monitoring agents to view camera recordings and verify that an active emergency event is taking place within the home.[14][15]
In January 2018 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company introduced the third-generation version of its product line that allowed frequent firmware updates of the technology to address the RF vulnerability.[16][17] The revamped system also introduced a new look to its products, designed in conjunction with design firm IDEO.[16]
On June 29, SimpliSafe announced that private equity firm Hellman & Friedman had taken a controlling interest in the company in a deal valued at $1B.[18] In October, the company launched its Video Doorbell Pro, the second camera in its product line-up, to give customers better visibility of activities happening outside the home.[19]
In April 2019, SimpliSafe expanded internationally, opening an office in Manchester, England. This expansion enabled the company to offer a selection of its home security products to homeowners across the United Kingdom.[20]
On August 21, 2019, SimpliSafe announced the launch of its Smart Lock.[21] In December of that year, the company announced Christian Cerda, previously the Chief Operating Officer at iRobot, as its new CEO.[22]
(2020-2024: Significant Growth)
In 2020, SimpliSafe launched a customer support center in Richmond, VA.[23]
In August 2021, SimpliSafe added a third camera to its suite of products, the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, expanding the company's protective services outside of the home.[24]
In May 2022, SimpliSafe raised in excess of $200 million of incremental funding to support growth, while also refinancing its existing facilities. This funding was provided by the affiliates of Capital One, N.A., HPS Investment Partners, Owl Rock [a division of Blue Owl] and Eastern Bank.[25]
In October 2022, SimpliSafe opened the home security industry's first owned-and-operated monitoring center in Richmond, VA. Later that year, SimpliSafe also launched a Bell Box to the United Kingdom, the most requested United Kingdom customer product.[26]
At the beginning of 2023, SimpliSafe relocated its headquarters, moving from its first Boston office at 294 Washington Street to 100 Summer Street.[27] The new headquarters features a dedicated research and development lab and a maker space.[28]
In June 2023, SimpliSafe launched the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera, alongside a new 24/7 live guard protection service.[29] The monitoring feature allows professional monitoring agents to interact with intruders via the camera and alert emergency authorities about crimes in progress.
That same year, SimpliSafe added two new members to its executive team including Crystal Caliguiri as Chief Customer Experience Officer and Rebecca Zavin as Chief Technology Officer.[30]
Products and services
System overview
All of SimpliSafe's systems include a Base Station and a Keypad.[10] Systems are designed to be self-installed, but SimpliSafe also offers the option for professional installation.[31] Previous systems worked on a cellular connection, while the third-generation system runs on both cellular and Wi-Fi to prevent a loss of service during a cellular outage.[16] The wireless system also runs on lithium batteries, and can't be disabled by cutting the user's power.[32] As a standalone product, SimpliSafe systems function as a noise-only alarm system, emitting an 85-decibel siren.[33]
Services
In addition to selling hardware products, SimpliSafe offers self-monitored and professionally monitored security plans without long-term contracts.[34]
Fast Protect Monitoring: Provides 24/7 emergency dispatch, including police, firefighters, and EMS.
Standard Monitoring: Offers continuous monitoring with emergency dispatch capabilities and environmental alert notifications.
Integrations
On April 10, 2018, SimpliSafe integrated with August Smart Lock, allowing SimpliSafe users to lock and unlock their door automatically upon arming and disarming their system, respectively. [35] SimpliSafe also integrated with Amazon Alexa in 2018. Alexa users are able to check their system status with voice commands, as well as arm — but not disarm — their system. [36] On Sep 19, 2018, SimpliSafe integrated with Google Assistant. As with Alexa, SimpliSafe users can check their system status or arm their system with voice commands. [37]
Recognition
SimpliSafe has been recognized with several awards since its inception, highlighting its technological innovations and company culture. Notable awards include:
A “Best Customer Service” company by Newsweek in 2020, 2021 2022, 2023 and 2024[38]
