How it all began...

Imagine you develop… a revolution!

New York, 2007. Robin Rietveld buys the very first iPhone. He’s fascinated by its simplicity and endless possibilities. An idea begins to take shape. Back in the Netherlands, he shares it with his business partner Marcel Annaka: “A smartphone has all these apps, each with its own function. And you carry it with you all the time. Imagine there was also an app that lets you easily control your home security system. With a built-in online control room! And live camera images right on your phone.

Let’s wake up the security industry!

“Let’s build it!” The renowned Dutch security company NVD sees the same potential and joins as a partner and investor. A small team of designers and developers works with passion and determination for months and they succeed. In 2008, just one year after that first brainstorm, WoonVeilig (the Dutch brand of Egardia) launches the world’s first connected alarm system with an online web application. The iPhone and Android apps follow in 2009. A security system for modern life, for people who want to be in control. A true revolution in the home security industry. WoonVeilig made home protection smart.

They had only just begun...

The first virtual alarm centre was a huge success. From the very beginning, the system was connected to an online monitoring service, developed entirely in-house. A system that watches over your home 24/7, ready to alert the owner and contacts by phone, text or email whenever an alarm is triggered.

The pioneers were hooked. Curious and ambitious, they asked themselves: What else is possible? Which technologies could make our services even better?

As they put it: “We wanted to understand and discover which innovations would help us reach our goal. Everything, from concept to testing to production, has always been created by us. From start to finish. Still today.”

Hitting the market and winning awards

Then came the next challenge: Building a customer base. The first sales started through WoonVeilig’s webshop. In 2010, the company won the prestigious Thuiswinkel Award in the category of consumer electronics and home appliances, becoming the first security company ever to do so.

Demand from day one

In 2010, WoonVeilig began a pilot at MediaMarkt Arena in Amsterdam and it was an instant hit. Sales skyrocketed, and retail chains quickly proved to be ideal partners. Customers could simply walk in and arrange their security on the spot. Soon, major chains like Hornbach joined in. Online sales also took off through partners such as Coolblue and Bol.com. “We built our distribution network so that every customer can find the right place for advice and purchase,” says Ceriel Bron, Marketing & Sales Manager. “And for those who prefer professional installation, we also work with certified installation partners."

Never alone

WoonVeilig kept improving its products and developing new services. In 2011, WoonVeilig Beveiliger aan Huis was launched. A fully automated service dispatching certified security professionals across the country, with direct connections to police, medical and fire departments. This human touch made the feeling and guarantee of safety complete.

Europe calls

In the Netherlands, WoonVeilig soon became the market leader in internet-connected alarm systems. But what about the rest of Europe? In 2012, the company launched its international brand Egardia, expanding steadily into Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, and Belgium. The products and services quickly gained high praise, with outstanding reviews and awards. In the Netherlands, recognition came from media such as Vara Kassa, ComputerIdee, SBS6, RTL4 and the Thuiswinkel Awards. Internationally, glowing reviews appeared in ETM Testmagazin, Die Welt, and Chip.

Smart Home, Smart Together

In early 2017, the Works with program was launched, enabling seamless integration with other smart home brands like Philips, Veiligebuurt, Olisto, Homey and TOON. Thermostat, lighting and alarm, all connected through one central hub. Even neighborhood watch functionality was added. Another step toward simplicity and peace of mind for every customer.

From pioneers to professionals

Ten years on, WoonVeilig and Egardia had grown into an international operation with multiple departments, where passionate experts turn ideas into products every day. Simple, accessible security solutions, available to everyone. The team monitors every customer’s alarm system 24/7, driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Ellen, Operations & Finance Manager, recalls: “The pioneering phase may be over, but our spirit hasn’t changed. Every new step, every procedure, every innovation is carefully thought through together.” To celebrate the anniversary, the entire Egardia team visited the production facility in Taiwan, where the products are made. They toured the factory, sang karaoke with local colleagues, and shared that same team spirit. “Whatever part of the process we’re working on, we all want to be the best at what we do and to help make Egardia’s products and services even better.”

What’s next?

Even after all these years, it still feels like we’ve only just begun. Because not every home or business is protected yet, and new technologies keep unlocking new possibilities. Customers’ needs evolve, and so do the social and economic factors that shape security itself. There’s always a new opportunity waiting to be explored.

The world of smart camera security is advancing rapidly. With our latest cameras featuring human detection, we’ve entered the era of artificial intelligence, opening new ways to keep people and properties safe. These innovations inspire the Egardia team every day, fueling our passion to keep moving forward.