Ring Founder and Babson Alumnus Named AACSB Influential Leader

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Kait Smith Lanthier

Kait Smith Lanthier is the Director, Content Strategy at Babson College and the Managing Editor of Babson Thought & Action. Her writing has appeared in print and online in a variety of outlets including USA Today, Yahoo Shine, YourTango, CosmoGirl, and First for Women magazine. Smith earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and graduate degree in integrated marketing, both from Marist College.

January 28, 2020

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He has been called “the billion dollar deal that got away” by the sharks on “Shark Tank.” He has been named a rising star at Babson, and an inspiring entrepreneur. Now, Jamie Siminoff ’99 has another title to add to his list: influential leader.

Siminoff, founder and chief inventor at Ring, is one of 25 business school graduates honored in the 2020 class of influential leaders by AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the AACSB for this achievement. I am thrilled to not only receive this recognition, but to be in the company of these many influential leaders working to leave a lasting mark on society,” said Siminoff. “For as long as I can remember, it’s been a passion of mine to invent, build, and bring new solutions to all, and I hope to continue making an impact with this work.”

The annual challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

“Jamie sees the world in bigger frames. He has the unique ability to find a market entry point that allows him to grow and achieve his vision of solving big problems. He is driven without hubris,” said Babson President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD. “Jamie represents himself, his wonderful family, Ring, and Babson College with panache. I look forward to seeing the social and economic value that he will create over his lifetime.”

Now in its fifth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognized more than 200 business school graduates for creating a lasting impact in business and society.

“AACSB is honored to recognize Jamie Siminoff and applauds his achievements at Ring as a leading example of business education as a force for good in the world,” said Tom Robinson, AACSB president and CEO. “The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and career paths of the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB-accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed wherever their passions may take them.”

Meet Jamie Siminoff

A lifelong inventor and successful entrepreneur, Siminoff created the world’s first wi-fi video doorbell, in his garage, in 2011. He founded Ring in 2013.

Since then, the company has been on a mission to make neighborhoods safer by making home and neighborhood security accessible and effective for everyone. Ring’s smart home security product line—including the video doorbell, Ring Alarm, and the Neighbors app—offers users affordable whole-home and neighborhood security.

In 2015, Siminoff pitched the venture on the fifth season of “Shark Tank.” Though he did not walk away with a deal, the exposure gave the company a boost and Ring has seen incredible success and growth. It was purchased by Amazon for more than $1 billion in 2018. Siminoff appeared as a guest shark on the season 10 premiere of “Shark Tank.”

Siminoff regularly returns to Babson as a featured speaker and to mentor young entrepreneurs. He was named an alumni rising star in 2016. In 2019, he returned to celebrate the College’s Centennial and invest in a Babson venture during the ePitch: Second Century Challenge. Siminoff shared his “Shark Tank” experience with students during a “Swimming with the Sharks” panel with fellow Babson alumni.