Canary raises $10M in Series A funding for its home security product

By Drew Prindle March 5, 2014

canary raises 10m seed funding home security product — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The home security industry is ripe for disruption right now. The rise of smartphones over the past decade have driven down the cost of compact sensor and camera technologies, and now there’s a slew of different products in the works that can keep your home just as safe, but for a fraction of the cost.

Canary is one of these up-and-coming products, and it’s poised to ship to consumers in the very near future. Just a few months after the conclusion of its hugely successful IndieGoGo campaign, the company has announced that it has raised over $10 million in series A funding to help bring its product to market.

Developed in New York, the Canary smart home security system is a combination of an indoor surveillance camera, alarm system, and weather monitor all wrapped inside a soda-can shaped machine. To install it, just connect the device to your home’s Wi-Fi network and sync it to your smartphone. From there, Canary can monitor your home and alert you if something unusual is spotted, such as movements in a room that’s supposed to be empty, or a sudden loud noise. The temperature sensors can also detect changes in humidity and air quality. These alerts are sent directly to your phone like a regular notification, and allow users see the live view of their home via an HD camera before deciding the next course of action.

This new round of funding was led by Khosla Ventures, Bobby Yazdani (an early investor in Google and Dropbox), and a number of the firm’s initial seed investors, including Two Sigma Ventures. The money will help Canary build out its $199 product and drive adoption.

The company plans to ship to its original IndieGoGo backers later this spring, and everyone else in the summer.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…

Smart Home

Do smart home security cameras record all the time?

A hand adjusts a Ring Indoor Security Camera mounted on a wall.

There's an abundance of smart home security cameras available today, featuring everything from tiny indoor cameras to large outdoor floodlights. Products from Ring, Arlo, Wyze, and other major brands do a great job of protecting your property and giving you peace of mind -- but do security cameras record all the time?

The answer's not as straightforward as you'd expect. Here's a look at which types of products are likely to offer continuous video capture, and which only record when motion is detected.
Battery-powered units typically don't record all the time

Smart Home

Arlo enhances home security offerings with new Arlo Total Security plans

The Arlo Total Security package on a blue background.

Arlo is expanding its home security offerings with the new Arlo Total Security subscriptions. These plans start at $10 per month and provide members with not just professional monitoring services, but also all the hardware they need to secure their property.

Not to be confused with the existing Arlo Secure lineup, Arlo Total Security plans are an entirely new set of monthly subscriptions. There are three tiers to choose from, though all include professional monitoring, hardware (such as sensors and cameras), and free shipping. The cheapest tier is Starter at $10 per month, featuring a security keypad, All-In-One Sensor, and Yard Sign. The Advanced with Video plan is the most expensive at $50 per month and is loaded with cameras and sensors.

Smart Home

Is an Ecobee Smart Security subscription worth it?

Several Ecobee security products on a green background.

Aside from offering some of the best smart thermostats on the market, Ecobee is also a provider of smart home security systems. And like most home security systems, you'll need a monthly membership to make the most out of your gadgets. But is an Ecobee Smart Security subscription worth it? Here's a look at the two different plans available to customers, along with which homes will benefit from each plan.
What is Ecobee Smart Security Standard?

Ecobee Smart Security Standard costs $5 per month or $50 per year. It doesn't offer professional monitoring but does save videos for one camera for up to 30 days. It also benefits from arm and disarm assistance, smart motion and entry alerts, smoke alarm detection, freeze detection, and the ability to control the system from your smartphone app.