Olarm
Olarm is a Cape Town-based smart alarm and security IoT company that builds cellular/WiFi communicators and wireless security ecosystems to retrofit and replace alarm systems for residential, commercial, and armed response customers across South Africa, the UK, and the EU.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Olarm does
Olarm (Pty) Ltd is a Cape Town-headquartered smart alarm and security IoT company founded in 2015 that builds hardware communicators and a cloud platform to convert traditional alarm systems into smartphone-controlled security installations. Its portfolio spans two product lines: Olarm MAX and Olarm PRO 4G dual-SIM/WiFi communicators that retrofit legacy alarm panels from major brands (Paradox, IDS, Texecom, DSC, Orisec, Honeywell), and Olarm ONE, a complete wireless security ecosystem (HUB plus detectors, sensors, and key fobs) for new installations. Supporting middleware includes Olarm LINK (I/O expander), Remote Connect (virtual serial port for remote panel programming), Signals Proxy (encrypted signal routing to monitoring platforms), and Command Centre (professional control room software for armed response companies and ARCs). All systems are managed via the Olarm APP (iOS/Android), and an official Home Assistant integration extends reach into the smart home ecosystem.
The company monetises through one-time hardware sales (Olarm MAX listed at R1,195 on Takealot), recurring app subscriptions (from R439 per six months), and Command Centre software licensing to enterprise monitoring customers. Distribution combines direct-to-consumer e-commerce (Takealot) in South Africa with a regional channel network of stockists, installers, armed response companies, and Alarm Receiving Centres in the UK and EU; Olarm Academy provides partner training. Olarm reports a base of over 400,000 users and security professionals, 4.7 Google rating, 100% uptime on status page metrics, and operations through two legal entities (Olarm (Pty) Ltd in South Africa and Olarm UK Ltd, registered 2022).
Olarm is privately held with no disclosed institutional funding, 51–100 employees, and 24-month warranties on professionally installed systems. Its AI capability is limited to behavioral analytics in the Olarm APP and Command Centre, analysing usage patterns and arming history for context-aware automation and predictive alerts. The company addresses primary customer segments including residential homeowners and armed response companies (both flagged as primary), with additional reach into agriculture, commercial, healthcare, education, facilities management, hospitality, retail, and remote sites.
Olarm firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Olarm
- Legal name
- Olarm (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://olarm.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Olarm is a Cape Town-based smart alarm and security IoT company that builds cellular/WiFi communicators and wireless security ecosystems to retrofit and replace alarm systems for residential, commercial, and armed response customers across South Africa, the UK, and the EU.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Olarm is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
Olarm business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Device Sales: One-time sales of Olarm devices including Olarm MAX, Olarm PRO 4G, Olarm LINK, Olarm ONE ecosystem components (Hub, detectors, sensors, key fobs). Devices sold directly via Takealot e-commerce or through Channel Partner stockists.
- App Subscription (Cloud Services): Recurring subscription required for cloud-connected features including remote monitoring, push notifications, and Olarm APP control. Subscription tiers available with 6-month and likely monthly/annual options. Device functionality may be limited during subscription lapse.
- Command Centre Software License: Professional control room software sold to armed response companies and monitoring stations for device management and alarm receiving.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Olarm MAX Device (Online) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | App Subscription (6-month plan) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Professional Installation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Olarm product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Olarm designs and sells IoT alarm communicators and a wireless security ecosystem that connect existing alarm panels (Paradox, IDS, Texecom, DSC, Orisec, Honeywell) to a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and smartphone control via the Olarm APP. The portfolio includes cellular/WiFi communicator hardware (Olarm MAX, Olarm PRO 4G, Olarm LINK), a complete wireless security system (Olarm ONE with HUB and detectors), and professional software for armed response and alarm receiving centres (Command Centre, Remote Connect, Signals Proxy). Revenue comes from one-time device sales plus recurring app and Command Centre software subscriptions.
Product overview
Olarm is a smart alarm and security ecosystem comprising cloud-connected hardware communicators, a mobile app, professional control room software, and middleware services. The portfolio spans two main product lines: (1) Communicators for existing alarm systems — Olarm MAX (WiFi + Dual SIM 4G/2G) and Olarm PRO 4G (4G + WiFi backup) connect legacy alarm panels (Paradox, IDS, Texecom, DSC, Orisec, Honeywell) to the cloud, with Olarm LINK extending I/O ports for gates, doors, and third-party devices, and Olarm CONNECT integrating Optex wireless detectors; and (2) Olarm ONE — a complete self-contained wireless security ecosystem comprising the Olarm HUB central controller plus wireless detectors (FlipX, FitX, SnapX, 90XS, 180X, WingX), door/window sensors (ENTRY), and remote key fobs (KEY). All systems are managed via the Olarm APP (iOS/Android), while Command Centre provides professional alarm receiving centre (ARC) software, Remote Connect enables remote alarm panel programming, and Signals Proxy routes encrypted alarm signals to third-party monitoring platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Olarm ONE: Complete wireless security ecosystem consisting of Olarm HUB, wireless detectors, and accessories.
- Olarm MAX
- Olarm PRO 4G
- Olarm LINK
- Olarm APP
- Command Centre
- Remote Connect
- Signals Proxy
Products and services
- Olarm MAX WiFi and Dual SIM 4G/2G communicator that connects existing alarm panels (Paradox, IDS, Texecom, DSC, Orisec, Honeywell) to the Olarm cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and control via the Olarm APP. Targeted at homeowners and channel partners retrofitting legacy alarm systems.
- Olarm PRO 4G 4G cellular communicator with WiFi backup that connects existing alarm panels to the Olarm cloud platform. Targeted at homeowners and installers needing cellular-first connectivity for primary or failover alarm reporting.
- Olarm LINK I/O expander and relay module that extends input/output ports for Olarm PRO, enabling integration with electric gates, garage doors, and other third-party devices (Centurion, Digidoor, DTS, ET Systems, Gemini). Targeted at installers and homeowners needing broader automation integration.
- Olarm ONE Complete self-contained wireless security ecosystem comprising the Olarm HUB, wireless detectors, sensors, and key fobs for new residential or small-commercial alarm installations. Targeted at homeowners and installers seeking an end-to-end wireless system.
- Olarm APP Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling users to remotely arm, disarm, bypass zones, monitor alarm status, and trigger panic alerts from anywhere via smartphone. Targeted at residential and small commercial end users with a recurring cloud subscription.
- Command Centre Professional control room software providing device management, alarm monitoring, and dispatch capabilities for armed response companies and alarm receiving centres. Sold under software licensing to enterprise monitoring operators.
- Remote Connect Middleware software that creates a virtual serial port connecting alarm manufacturer programming software (Babyware, IDSwift, Wintex, Honeywell RSS, Orisec UDL) with Olarm devices over TCP/IP, enabling remote panel configuration. Targeted at installers and armed response technicians.
- Signals Proxy Middleware software that routes encrypted alarm signals between Olarm devices and third-party monitoring or alarm receiving platforms. Targeted at alarm receiving centres and monitoring operators needing secure, reliable signal delivery from Olarm communicator fleets.
Quantifiable outcome
- 400,000+ users trust Olarm for their security needs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Olarm
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Olarm technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration28 records
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
Olarm partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- ParadoxcoreAlarm control panel brand. Olarm MAX and PRO communicators compatible with Paradox MG series panels (e.g., Paradox MG SP). Enables remote monitoring and control of Paradox alarm systems via Olarm app.
- IDS (Intruder Detection Systems)coreSouth African alarm panel manufacturer. Olarm devices compatible with IDS X Series alarm panels. Enables smartphone control of IDS security systems.
- TexecomcoreUK-based alarm control panel manufacturer. Olarm communicators compatible with Texecom alarm panels for remote monitoring applications.
- DSC (Digital Security Controls)coreAlarm control panel manufacturer. DSC PowerSeries panels compatible with Olarm MAX and PRO communicators.
- OriseccoreUK alarm panel manufacturer. Orisec panels compatible with Olarm devices. Olarm Remote Connect supports Orisec UDL protocol.
- HoneywellcoreSecurity equipment manufacturer. Honeywell alarm panels and RSS (Remote Station Security) monitoring compatible with Olarm ecosystem.
- TakealotcoreLeading South African e-commerce marketplace. Primary direct-to-consumer sales channel for Olarm devices. Olarm MAX listed at R1,195 device only.
- VodacomcoreSouth African mobile network operator. Olarm MAX/PRO dual-SIM includes Vodacom as primary cellular network option. Status page shows 100% uptime for Vodacom connectivity.
- MTNcoreSouth African mobile network operator. Olarm MAX/PRO dual-SIM includes MTN as secondary cellular network option for failover. Status page shows 100% uptime for MTN connectivity.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Olarm competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Alarm.com: Alarm.com provides a cloud platform that connects legacy alarm panels to smartphones and professional monitoring stations — the same upgrade-the-installed-base proposition Olarm offers. Both monetize via recurring subscriptions layered on compatible third-party hardware.
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe sells DIY home security systems with smartphone control and optional professional monitoring — overlapping with Olarm's residential and pro-monitoring segments. Both target consumers who want remote arming/disarm without replacing their existing security infrastructure.
- Ajax Systems: Ajax Systems is a direct competitor building wireless smart alarm and security ecosystems with a hub, motion detectors, and a mobile app — the same model Olarm ONE pursues. Both sell through professional installer networks and integrate with third-party monitoring software.
Broad incumbents
- Ring (Amazon): Ring competes in the smart-home security space with alarms, cameras, and doorbells plus smartphone control. It is a much larger incumbent with global brand recognition, posing the dominant consumer threat to Olarm's residential offering.
- Honeywell Home / Resideo: Honeywell/Resideo manufactures alarm panels that Olarm integrates with and also offers its own connected security ecosystem (ProSeries, Total Connect). It is a broader incumbent that competes both as a panel supplier and as an end-to-end smart security provider.
- Paradox Security Systems: Paradox is a Canadian alarm panel manufacturer that Olarm integrates with via the MG series. Paradox also offers its own IP/cloud modules and mobile apps (e.g., Insite GOLD), so it is both a partner and a competing smart-alarm provider in the same channel.
- Texecom: Texecom is a UK alarm panel manufacturer that is both an Olarm partner and a potential disintermediation risk. Texecom Connect and its app already enable remote panel control, partially overlapping with Olarm's upgrade-layer value proposition.
- Verisure: Verisure is a large European monitored-alarm provider with proprietary hardware, professional installation, and 24/7 ARC services. It competes with Olarm in the UK/EU at the enterprise/monitored tier, but operates as a vertically integrated incumbent rather than a hardware upgrade layer.
- DSC (Johnson Controls): DSC (Digital Security Controls), part of Johnson Controls, manufactures PowerSeries alarm panels that Olarm supports. DSC also sells its own connected solutions, making it both a partner channel and a broader incumbent that could ship competing smart features.
Regional players
- Ajax online / Satel: Satel is a Polish manufacturer of intruder alarm panels and integrations that overlaps with the panel ecosystem Olarm targets. As a regional incumbent in Central/Eastern Europe, it is comparable on technology but does not directly compete in Olarm's primary South African or UK markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Olarm social profiles
Digital presenceOlarm compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Olarm financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Olarm leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Olarm funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Olarm M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Olarm
What does Olarm do?
Olarm designs and sells IoT alarm communicators and a wireless security ecosystem that connect existing alarm panels (Paradox, IDS, Texecom, DSC, Orisec, Honeywell) to a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and smartphone control via the Olarm APP. The portfolio includes cellular/WiFi communicator hardware (Olarm MAX, Olarm PRO 4G, Olarm LINK), a complete wireless security system (Olarm ONE with HUB and detectors), and professional software for armed response and alarm receiving centres (Command Centre, Remote Connect, Signals Proxy). Revenue comes from one-time device sales plus recurring app and Command Centre software subscriptions.
Is Olarm a public or private company?
Olarm is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Olarm founded?
Olarm was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Olarm based?
Olarm is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Olarm make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are app Subscription (Cloud Services) and command Centre Software License.
Who are Olarm's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Alarm.com, SimpliSafe and Ajax Systems. Broad incumbents are Ring (Amazon), Honeywell Home / Resideo, Paradox Security Systems, Texecom, Verisure and DSC (Johnson Controls). Ajax online / Satel is listed as a regional player.
Does Olarm have an API?
Yes. Olarm provides a public API for accessing status page data. The API endpoints include GET https://status.olarm.com/v3/summary.json (returns overall status, active incidents, and active maintenance records) and GET https://status.olarm.com/v3/components.json (returns status page components and active issues). The API is provided on an 'as is' basis for authorised users. Use of the API is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Olarm grants a limited licence to use the API solely for integration purposes and prohibits commercial exploitation without written authorisation, reverse engineering, or attempts to obtain Olarm source code. Olarm may modify, suspend, or discontinue the API at any time without liability. Developer documentation is at status.olarm.com/en-us/public-api.