SimpliSafe - Experts & Thought Leaders

SimpliSafe®, maker of award-winning smart home security systems, announces three key additions to its executive leadership team: Mike Buckley as Chief Financial Officer, Sandra Yang Scirpo as Chief Customer Officer, and Sharon Segev as Chief Administrative and Legal Officer. These strategic additions support SimpliSafe’s focus on offering innovative home security offerings, delivering peace of mind to its customers, and expanding its reach in support of its mission to make every home secure. Smart home security systems Together, Buckley, Yang Scirpo, and Segev bring extensive experience consumer technology and subscription businesses, with a track record for fostering innovation, building and upholding customer trust, and driving growth. “SimpliSafe’s mission remains the same: to keep every home secure,” said Hilary Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of SimpliSafe. “Mike, Sandra, and Sharon bring the leadership needed to guide our next chapter as we develop more proactive ways to keep people safe and expand the number of people we protect. Their passion and depth of experience will help us accelerate our efforts, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the team!” Professional monitoring services The appointments come as SimpliSafe approaches its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of making home security more accessible and creating new ways to keep people safe. Today, SimpliSafe protects more than 6 million people across the U.S. through its award-winning security solutions and professional monitoring services. The company continues its legacy of reimagining home security with innovative solutions like SimpliSafe® Active Guard Outdoor Protection, which is designed to help deter and prevent crime before it happens. Together with the SimpliSafe leadership team, Buckley, Yang Scirpo, and Segev will help guide the company’s next phase of growth, focused on expanding access to proactive security, advancing innovation, and continuing to raise the bar for customer experience across the industry. High-growth organizations As Chief Financial Officer, Mike Buckley leads SimpliSafe’s finance organization and helps drive the company’s continued growth, with a focus on scaling the business while delivering superior safety and value to customers. An experienced executive known for guiding high-growth organizations, Mike has a track record for translating strategy into action and identifying new opportunities for expansion through partnerships, investments, and innovation. He brings more than 30 years of experience leading financial strategy, operations, and transformation across consumer, wellness, and technology businesses. Most recently, he served as CFO at Nutrafol, helping scale the direct-to-consumer wellness company. Previously, he held senior financial leadership roles at Nike, Postmates, and Soli Organic. Proactive crime prevention Sandra Yang Scirpo joined SimpliSafe as Chief Customer Officer, where she is focused on delivering an exceptional experience at every stage of the customer journey. She is leading efforts to transform the customer lifecycle from activation through retention with an emphasis on improving outcomes, strengthening loyalty, driving growth, and increasing efficiency. She also oversees SimpliSafe's proprietary U.S.-based, 24/7 security monitoring operations, a competitive differentiator that enables proactive crime prevention and builds customer trust. Sandra brings more than 20 years of experience leading customer, subscription, and service operations across technology-driven businesses, with a focus on retention, efficiency, and customer loyalty. Most recently at Gen Digital, Sandra led global customer strategy and operations, advancing AI-enabled capabilities while improving renewal performance and operational efficiency. Venture-backed environments Sharon Segev joined SimpliSafe earlier this year as Chief Administrative and Legal Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience scaling global technology companies across public, private equity-backed, and venture-backed environments. A strategic, business-driven executive who works at the intersection of technology, people, and law, Sharon will focus on helping SimpliSafe innovate and grow with intention, advancing how the company responsibly harnesses AI to better serve customers, and upholding SimpliSafe's foundational commitments to customer trust and privacy. Previously, as Chief Administrative and Legal Officer at Shutterfly, she led legal, HR, compliance, and strategic partnerships and co-chaired the Value Creation Office, helping to drive enterprise-wide initiatives. Additionally, Sharon held executive leadership roles at Smule and LifeLock, strengthening governance, cybersecurity, and operations during periods of growth, including the LifeLock acquisition by Symantec.

SimpliSafe®, maker of award-winning smart home security systems, announced the SimpliSafe® Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Listener, an innovative device that enables customers to integrate their current smoke and CO detectors with SimpliSafe's connected system and 24/7 professional monitoring for fire and carbon monoxide hazards. The Alarm Listener works with existing detectors to trigger the SimpliSafe System when there's smoke or CO danger, providing an added layer of protection and, when paired with professional monitoring, enabling a rapid emergency response. SimpliSafe Base Station SimpliSafe Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that listens for the distinct sound patterns The SimpliSafe Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that listens for the distinct sound patterns of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the home. When it detects an alarm, it identifies the type of threat and signals the SimpliSafe Base Station. This allows SimpliSafe to send them a notification and enables their professional monitoring agents to initiate an emergency response. New SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener As part of its whole-home protection, SimpliSafe offers affordable, innovative solutions to keep homes safe from fire and CO. While SimpliSafe already offers SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO detectors for a fast response, the new SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener extends this 24/7 protection to customers with other existing smoke and CO detectors that they cannot or prefer not to replace. UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms The Alarm Listener recognizes the distinct sound of UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms The Alarm Listener recognizes the distinct sound of UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms, triggering the SimpliSafe system, activating the siren, and sending instant app notifications.  With SimpliSafe's professional monitoring, agents can swiftly dispatch emergency services, ensuring a rapid response even if homeowners are unreachable. Current smoke and CO detectors "At SimpliSafe, our mission is to keep every home secure and that includes from the perils of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning," said Hooman Shahidi, Chief Product Officer, SimpliSafe. "We're thrilled to offer this life-saving device to customers who are happy with their current smoke and CO detectors or who cannot change their existing hard-wired alarms. The SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener seamlessly integrates with existing detectors, giving customers the power to protect their families from smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide." Key features Key features of the SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener include: Works with existing detectors in the home: The Alarm Listener works with all UL-certified residential smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to enable 24/7 professional monitoring for the entire home. UL-Certified: The Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that's certified to differentiate between smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and transmit the appropriate alarm signal to the Base Station, ensuring reliable performance. Rapid emergency response: Once triggered, the Alarm Listener signals the SimpliSafe Base Station, enabling SimpliSafe to send the owner a notification and prompting SimpliSafe's monitoring agents to request immediate emergency dispatch, even if the owner cannot be reached. Instant notifications: Real-time alerts are pushed via the SimpliSafe® App if an alarm is triggered. Easy installation: The Alarm Listener is wireless and designed for simple self-installation with minimal tools and step-by-step instructions in the SimpliSafe® App. Only one listener needed for hardwired systems: For homes with interconnected, hardwired smoke and CO detectors, only one Alarm Listener is needed to monitor the entire home. For battery-powered systems, one listener is recommended per detector for monitoring. Long-lasting battery life: The Alarm Listener has a long-lasting battery designed to last up to three years. Pricing & availability The SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is available for purchase starting now for $44.99 on SimpliSafe.com and on BestBuy.com in the US. The Listener will launch later this Fall on Amazon.com. The Alarm Listener requires a SimpliSafe Gen 3 Home Security System (Base Station and Keypad), UL-certified residential smoke and/or CO detector and a professional monitoring plan for emergency dispatch. To access SimpliSafe® Professional Monitoring, customers can choose between monitoring plans, including Core ($32.99/month), Pro ($49.99/month), and Pro Plus ($79.99/month).

SimpliSafe®, the maker of award-winning smart home security systems, announced it will give select customers early access to its live guard outdoor protection service. SimpliSafe's new monitoring service introduces a revolutionary double-layer approach to home security, combining the power of artificial intelligence (AI) technology with a team of expert monitoring professionals to prevent crime before it happens. This new offering builds upon the company's recently launched 24/7 live guard protection, making SimpliSafe the first to offer this type of monitoring service both inside and outside the home that's staffed by its own team of security experts, keeping its customers safer than ever before. Another layer of security Nearly two million people in the US are victims of burglary and trespassing each year, often facing significant emotional and financial harm as a result. Home invasions typically last only 10 minutes, so every second counts when it comes to emergency response; however, once an intruder has entered the home, it's already too late to stop the resulting property and emotional damage. Home invasions typically last only 10 minutes, so every dual counts when it comes to crisis response Enter: SimpliSafe live guard outdoor monitoring. This groundbreaking service is designed to prevent crime by keeping watch over the perimeter of the home and deterring potential intruders from breaking in. If a trespasser or potential intruder is detected, SimpliSafe monitoring agents jump into action intervening before they can enter the home. If warranted, the monitoring agents can even dispatch police, providing another layer of security to the home. AI and advanced technology "For decades, the home security industry has remained reactive, jumping into action only when a break-in is already in progress. SimpliSafe has set out to challenge this standard and to offer our customers new, more proactive ways to feel and be safe," said Christian Cerda, Chief Executive Officer at SimpliSafe. "Live outdoor monitoring is our latest breakthrough, combining AI and advanced technology with expert monitoring professionals to stop crime before it even happens. This is a true game changer in customer safety." Customer's SimpliSafe system Customer's SimpliSafe system is armed, their outdoor camera keeps watch over their home When a customer's SimpliSafe system is armed, their outdoor camera keeps watch over their home's perimeter. With live outdoor monitoring, the service uses advanced AI to detect when someone is approaching the home and determines if the person matches any of the customer's saved profiles.  If the person doesn't match any of the customer's saved profiles, an expert monitoring agent can use the camera's live video to confirm any imminent threat and deter potential intruders by speaking to them in real time using the camera's two-way audio and triggering sirens. SimpliSafe's steadfast commitment True to SimpliSafe's steadfast commitment to privacy across all products and services, live guard outdoor protection is designed to give customers complete control of their privacy. SimpliSafe gives customers total control over which cameras the agents monitor and when. SimpliSafe gives customers total control over which cameras the agents monitor and when With outdoor monitoring, customers also have the ability to easily create and delete profiles of friendly faces within the app, so they can be confident they are only receiving alerts for unidentified persons. Additionally, all live and recorded videos are securely encrypted and are not accessible by monitoring agents after an event has been reviewed and closed. SimpliSafe's latest innovations Live guard outdoor protection will be available to all customers later this year. This groundbreaking service is part of SimpliSafe's Fast Protect™ Technology which aims to provide the fastest detection, deterrence and prevention in the industry. SimpliSafe Early Access Programs, like this one, allow qualifying customers to test SimpliSafe's latest innovations before they become widely available to the public, as well as the opportunity to provide feedback that will shape products and services for full-launch readiness.

2025 was another impactful year for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the security industry, which is undergoing an enormous transformation as global pioneers prioritise specialized technology to drive future growth.  The year 2025 has been defined by massive corporate reorganisations, most notably Honeywell and Resideo spinning off core divisions to unlock shareholder value. Simultaneously, an aggressive wave of mergers and acquisitions is reshaping the landscape, with giants like ASSA ABLOY and Motorola Solutions absorbing innovators in AI-driven surveillance, cloud-native access control, and identity management. From residential security shifts to critical infrastructure enhancements, this article will summarise how these strategic moves signal a decisive industry pivot toward integrated and intelligent security ecosystems. Resideo to spin off ADI business Resideo Technologies, Inc. announced its intention to separate its ADI Global Distribution business from its Products & Solutions (P&S) business via a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls The goal is to unlock value, enhance operational performance, and improve strategic flexibility for both entities. After the separation, P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls and sensing solutions. ADI will become an independent public company and remain a global wholesale distributor of low-voltage products, including security and audio-visual solutions. Honeywell separates into three companies There are big changes pending at Honeywell, another global security industry company. Honeywell announced plans to separate its Automation and Aerospace businesses into two independent, publicly traded companies following a comprehensive portfolio evaluation. Combined with the previously announced spin-off of Advanced Materials, this strategy will create three distinct industry pioneers. The Automation and Aerospace separation is targeted for completion in the second half of 2026 as a tax-free transaction for shareholders. The largest portion of Honeywell’s traditional security business (cameras, access control, and fire safety) sits within the Building Automation segment of the new Honeywell Automation company. This unit includes products from recent major acquisitions, such as LenelS2. SimpliSafe’s new chapter SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman, another private equity firm. As the third largest U.S. residential security provider, SimpliSafe will continue under the leadership of the current CEO, while its founders remain significant investors.  GTCR, an experienced security industry investor, intends to support the company’s expansion and continued innovation in AI-powered, DIY home protection. This marks a new chapter in SimpliSafe’s mission to provide professional monitoring without long-term contracts. SimpliSafe is GTCR’s fifth investment in the security alarm industry, including prior investments in residential-focused security companies SecurityLink and Protection1, along with commercial-focused security companies HSM and Everon. Motorola grows technology portfolio Motorola Solutions grew its portfolio through acquisitions in 2025. The industry giant strategically expanded its safety and security ecosystem through the acquisition of four specialized technology firms. The company acquired Blue Eye to integrate AI-driven remote video monitoring and 24/7 security operations into its threat detection workflows. To support frontline workers, Motorola added Theatro’s voice-powered communication platform, which complements existing mobile and video technologies. Motorola further bolster its public safety capabilities with the acquisition of RapidDeploy, a cloud-native Next Generation 911 provider that offers real-time caller mapping and data analytics to accelerate emergency responses. Motorola also agreed to acquire InVisit to enhance its Avigilon Alta suite with cloud-based visitor management, streamlining guest registration and blocklist screening for enterprise security. These acquisitions aim to unify detection, communication, and response across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Allied sells majority stake in AMAG Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners In December, Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners. Shore Rock is a growth investor focused on critical infrastructure, with strategic backing from BellTower Partners. Allied Universal will retain a significant minority share. The sale is intended to allow 54-year-old AMAG, which provides integrated access control, identity, guest, and video management solutions, to operate independently from Allied Universal's services-based model for long-term growth. Shore Rock's plan is to invest in advancing AMAG's product line and customer relationships. With this transaction, David Sullivan, AMAG's President, will become CEO. Everon acquires ADT multifamily segment Commercial security provider Everon announced in September that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the business-to-business (B2B) multifamily segment from ADT. This acquisition is a strategic extension that expands Everon's reach in the valuable multifamily market. It will allow the company to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of tailored solutions, including access control, video surveillance, and self-guided tour capabilities. Everon's CEO states that the deal enables them to help property owners and managers increase net operating income and improve operational efficiency. Dormakaba acquires TANlock and Avant-Garde Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July. TANlock is a German firm specializing in innovative high-security access solutions for data centers and other critical infrastructure. The acquisition strengthens Dormakaba’s presence in the data center market.  TANlock's intelligent system provides enhanced server cabinet security using electromechanical rack locks and various authentication modules. This solution is scalable, future-proof, and can be integrated into existing IT infrastructures for both retrofits and new installations. Dormakaba also agreed to acquire Indiana-based Avant-Garde Systems Inc. to strengthen its North American entrance control portfolio. This move bolsters Dormakaba’s presence in high-growth sectors like airports and data centers. Acre acquires REKS for AI Recent M&A activity also reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence. For example, Acre Security acquired REKS, a purpose-built generative AI solution designed to transform access control, allowing professionals to use natural language queries for instant data insights. Integrated into Acre’s cloud-native ecosystem, this AI-powered platform prioritises data privacy while streamlining operations. Led by a new AI Development Team, Acre plans to expand these capabilities into intrusion detection and visitor management. Two acquisitions for Allegion Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC, a manufacturer of security and access technology, specializing in RFID credentials and readers solutions designed in Germany and sold globally.  ELATEC’s portfolio of readers leverages their internally developed software stack and ensures compatibility with nearly 100 credential types, making the company a pioneer in interoperability, which aligns well with Allegion’s partner-of-choice strategy. Allegion, also through one of its subsidiaries, acquired Brisant Secure Limited, a security hardware provider in the United Kingdom. Senstar acquires Blickfeld for LiDAR sensors Senstar Technologies Corporation has agreed to acquire Blickfeld, a specialist in 3D LiDAR sensors and software. Expected to close in Q1 2026, the acquisition integrates Blickfeld’s hardware into Senstar’s advanced security ecosystem. This strategic move expands Senstar’s addressable market into volume monitoring and traffic applications while enhancing its AI-powered situational awareness capabilities. Following the transaction, Blickfeld will operate largely independently as a subsidiary. ASSA ABLOY continues acquisition spree Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025 Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025, demonstrating aggressive market growth, strategically reinforcing its core business, and expanding its technological footprint across the global security marketplace. The acquisitions delivered on the company's strategy to strengthen its position in mature markets by integrating complementary products and solutions. A major theme for ASSA ABLOY was the enhancement of the door and perimeter security portfolio, particularly in the Americas. This effort included acquiring US-based Metal Products Inc. (MPI) for custom-made hollow metal doors and frames and International Door Products (IDP) for fire-rated steel door frames, both in the fall. Earlier in the year, ASSA ABLOY gained a stronger presence in Central Canada with the addition of Wallace & Wallace and Wallace Perimeter Security, a manufacturer, distributor, and installer of perimeter fencing, door, and gate solutions. The Entrance Systems Division also saw expansion with the acquisition of Belgium’s Kingspan Door Components, a manufacturer of sectional door panels. Furthermore, Door System, a Danish manufacturer of high-quality fire-rated doors, was signed for acquisition in the spring. Cloud-based platform ASSA ABLOY also made significant moves in electronic and access control solutions. Early 2025 saw two key acquisitions: Uhlmann & Zacher, a German supplier of access control handles and knobs, and InVue, a US-based provider of connected asset protection and access control solutions. Reinforcing this segment, SiteOwl, a pioneering cloud-based platform for physical security lifecycle management, was acquired in the summer. The spring acquisition of Pedestal PRO, a US manufacturer of access control pedestals and mounting solutions, further strengthens the electromechanical offerings in the Americas. ASSA ABLOY bolstered its capabilities in remote care technology with Germany’s TeleAlarm Group in late spring. HID Global expands in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025, aggressively driving the convergence of physical and digital identity solutions and signaling a clear roadmap for security professionals. HID's move to purchase Vancouver-based IDmelon, announced in the autumn of 2025, targets the critical need for robust logical access control. IDmelon’s proprietary software platform transforms everyday identifiers, including existing physical credentials, smartphones, or biometrics, directly into enterprise-level FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) security keys. This approach streamlines an organization’s transition to phishing-resistant, passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA) and minimizes the need for disruptive changes by integrating physical and digital access into a single, cohesive solution. Safer patient experience Separate from its focus on digital access, HID also bolstered its Identification Technologies Business Area by acquiring the Calmell Group. Calmell is a long-established manufacturer specializing in smart cards, smart paper, and magnetic tickets for the public transportation sector. This addition is expected to expand HID’s footprint and relevance in global public transportation ecosystems, allowing the Barcelona-headquartered firm to leverage HID’s core expertise in digital credentials to drive future-proof solutions for seamless mobility. Also, HID acquired Intelligent Observation to expand its Healthcare Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) portfolio. Intelligent Observation provides a platform to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by tracking hand hygiene compliance. The system uses wearable Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) devices and a cloud-based SaaS dashboard. This technology records and reports if healthcare workers sanitize appropriately, providing granular compliance data to administrators to enable a safer patient experience.