Chad Laurans

Overview

Chad Laurans is an angel investor and the founder of SimpliSafe, a company he co-founded in 2006 with his wife, Eleanor Laurans. SimpliSafe is a home security company that offers wireless, do-it-yourself security systems and monitoring services. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and has expanded its services to the United Kingdom. Under Chad's leadership, SimpliSafe has grown to become one of the largest residential security providers in the U.S., offering a full suite of professional monitoring services to millions of customers across the U.S. and U.K. In 2019, Chad transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Board, with Christian Cerda succeeding him as CEO. In 2025, SimpliSafe was acquired by GTCR, a leading private equity firm, with Chad and Eleanor Laurans remaining substantial investors and board members. As an angel investor, Chad has invested in early-stage technology companies, including Refraction AI and Butlr. He is also the founder of Workshop Venture Partners, a firm that focuses on investing in climate and education companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. Chad holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Chad's investment strategy centers on early-stage technology companies, particularly those in the home security and technology sectors. His experience in founding and scaling SimpliSafe provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in these industries. Through Workshop Venture Partners, Chad seeks to support innovative startups that align with his focus on climate and education. His approach combines his entrepreneurial background with a commitment to fostering growth in sectors that have a meaningful impact on society. Chad's track record as a founder and investor reflects a dedication to innovation and growth in the technology sector. His leadership at SimpliSafe has been instrumental in shaping the company's success and its position in the home security market. As an investor, Chad continues to leverage his expertise to identify and support promising startups, contributing to the advancement of technology solutions that address real-world problems. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of innovation, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable growth in the companies he supports.

Investment Focus

• Innovative technology solutions
• Scalable business models
• Strong founding teams

Portfolio Companies