Sauron, the high-end home security startup for “super premium” customers, plucks a new CEO out of Sonos

Sauron is a high-end home security startup founded in 2024 by Kevin Hartz and Jack Abraham, motivated by their personal frustrations with existing security systems. The company raised $18 million from notable investors including executives from Flock Safety, Palantir, and defense tech firms. Sauron aims to offer a sophisticated security solution combining AI-driven intelligence, advanced sensors such as LiDAR and thermal imaging, and 24/7 human monitoring by former military and law enforcement personnel. Initially planning to launch in early 2025, the company remains in development with a revised product release timeline now projected for late 2026 or later. Recently appointed CEO Maxime “Max” Bouvat-Merlin, formerly of Sonos, is focused on defining key product components and strategy, including sensor selection and the deterrence system’s operation. He draws parallels between Sauron and Sonos in targeting affluent customers, relying on word-of-mouth growth, and integrating complex hardware with advanced software.