Scout Alarm Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2013, Scout Alarm emerged from a successful independent crowdfunding campaign aimed at revolutionizing the home security industry. The company's mission is to create a home security system that is smart, simple, and affordable, addressing the gap in the market where traditional systems were often outdated and prohibitively expensive. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Scout Alarm offers a flexible, self-installed, wireless home security solution that integrates seamlessly with modern smart home devices. This approach has positioned Scout as a significant player in the DIY home security sector, appealing to tech-savvy consumers seeking customizable and cost-effective security options.

Key Strategic Focus

Scout Alarm's strategic focus centers on providing customizable, user-friendly home security systems that cater to the modern homeowner's needs. The company emphasizes:

DIY Installation: Offering easy-to-install equipment that allows users to set up their security systems without professional assistance.

Smart Home Integration: Ensuring compatibility with a wide range of smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, LIFX, Philips Hue, and IFTTT, enabling users to create a cohesive and automated home environment.

Flexible Monitoring Plans: Providing both self-monitoring and professional monitoring options without requiring long-term contracts, allowing customers to choose plans that best fit their needs and budgets.

Affordability: Maintaining competitive pricing for equipment and monitoring services to make home security accessible to a broader audience.

By focusing on these areas, Scout Alarm targets tech-savvy homeowners and renters who value flexibility, integration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness in their home security solutions.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Scout Alarm has secured a total of $7.4 million in funding over six rounds. The most recent funding round occurred on December 12, 2018, raising $7.4 million. This capital has been utilized to enhance product development, expand market reach, and strengthen the company's technological infrastructure. As of June 2025, Scout Alarm's annual revenue is reported to be approximately $1.8 million.

Product Development

Scout Alarm offers a range of security products designed for easy installation and integration with smart home systems. Key products include:

Scout Hub: The central control unit that connects all Scout devices and integrates with other smart home products.

Door Panel: A sensor for doors that includes an RFID scanner and siren.

Access Sensors: Devices that monitor the opening and closing of doors and windows.

Motion Sensors: Detectors that sense movement within a specified range.

Indoor Camera: Provides live video feeds with day and night vision capabilities.

Video Doorbell: Allows users to see and communicate with visitors at their doorstep.

Keypad: Enables arming and disarming of the system with a code.

Glass Break Sensor: Detects the sound and vibration of breaking glass within a 25-foot range.

Smart Door Lock: Integrates with the Scout app and features a durable touchscreen.

Smoke Alarm: Provides fire detection with dispatch available through the On+ Plan.

These products are continually updated to incorporate the latest technological advancements, ensuring that Scout Alarm remains competitive in the evolving home security market.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Scout Alarm distinguishes itself through its commitment to innovation and integration within the smart home ecosystem. Notable technological aspects include:

Proprietary Technologies: Utilization of the ZigBee wireless protocol for secure and efficient communication between devices.

Smart Home Integrations: Compatibility with over 175 smart home partners, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, LIFX, Philips Hue, and IFTTT, allowing users to create customized automation routines.

Mobile App Control: A user-friendly mobile application that enables remote control, monitoring, and customization of the security system.

These technological capabilities position Scout Alarm as a versatile and forward-thinking player in the home security industry.

Leadership Team

Scout Alarm's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to driving the company's mission:

Ryan M. McCall – Chief Executive Officer: With 14 years of global cross-functional experience in consumer technology, Mr. McCall has a background in leading commercial teams and scaling new ventures.

Kevin Brennan – Chief Operating Officer: Bringing over 30 years of global sales and operations experience, Mr. Brennan has worked with major manufacturers and previously founded Ninety7 Inc., a lifestyle product brand.

Martin Pretty – Non-Executive Chairman: With over 20 years in the investment and finance industry, Mr. Pretty has supported and invested in growing Australian-listed technology businesses.

Anthony Brown – Non-Executive Director: Mr. Brown has over 28 years of experience in the electronic security industry, consulting to major organizations in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Kim Clark – Company Secretary: Ms. Clark has more than 20 years in banking and finance, with extensive experience as a Company Secretary to ASX-listed entities.

This team brings a wealth of experience in technology, operations, finance, and security, guiding Scout Alarm's strategic direction and growth.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The home security market has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for smart home solutions and DIY security systems. The market is characterized by a shift towards flexible, user-friendly, and integrated security solutions that cater to the modern homeowner's needs.

Competitor Analysis

Scout Alarm operates in a competitive landscape alongside several key players:

Frontpoint: Established in 2007, Frontpoint offers DIY home security systems with a focus on customer service and smart home integration. Their systems are Z-wave compatible, allowing integration with various smart home devices. Frontpoint requires a credit check and offers monitoring services starting at $35 per month.

SimpliSafe: Known for its straightforward DIY installation and affordable monitoring plans, SimpliSafe provides a range of security equipment with optional professional monitoring. Their systems are designed for ease of use and flexibility, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

ADT: A longstanding leader in the home security industry, ADT offers professionally installed systems with comprehensive monitoring services. They have expanded into smart home integration through partnerships, such as with Google Nest, to remain competitive in the evolving market.

These competitors offer a mix of DIY and professionally installed systems, with varying degrees of smart home integration and monitoring options, catering to a broad spectrum of consumer preferences.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Scout Alarm has established significant partnerships to enhance its product offerings and market reach:

Smart Home Integrations: Collaborations with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, LIFX, Philips Hue, and IFTTT enable seamless integration with a wide array of smart home devices, providing users with a cohesive and automated home security experience.

Enterprise Partnerships: Scout offers end-to-end development and support services for enterprise partners to launch white-label smart home solutions, allowing partners to enter the market quickly with minimal capital investment.

These collaborations strengthen Scout Alarm's market position and innovation capacity, expanding its capabilities and customer base.

Operational Insights

In the competitive home security market, Scout Alarm differentiates itself through:

Customization and Flexibility: Offering customizable equipment packages and monitoring plans without long-term contracts appeals to consumers seeking tailored solutions.

Smart Home Integration: Extensive compatibility with various smart home devices positions Scout as a versatile option for tech-savvy users.

Affordability: Competitive pricing for both equipment and monitoring services makes home security accessible to a broader audience.

These strategic considerations enable Scout Alarm to maintain a distinct competitive advantage in the evolving home security landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Scout Alarm is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Product Expansion: Developing new security devices and enhancing existing products to meet emerging consumer needs and technological advancements.