Oura CEO Eyes IPO Amid $1B Revenue, Pledges Data Privacy: TechCrunch

In a recent interview with *The New York Times*, Oura Health CEO Tom Hale discussed a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO) and the company's commitment to data privacy. Hale confirmed that pursuing an IPO is a viable option for the health-tracking ring manufacturer, which projects revenues to reach $1 billion this year, doubling its 2023 figures. While declining to comment on reports of a new funding round valuing Oura at approximately $11 billion, Hale acknowledged that the company currently meets the necessary criteria for a public offering. According to Hale, Oura has reached the required "thresholds of size, trajectory, scale, and growth" to consider an IPO. He clarified that while a public offering remains a possibility, the company will announce its definitive plans "when the moment is right." This statement coincides with Oura's significant financial expansion, reinforcing its position as a prominent innovator within the health technology sector. The interview also addressed Oura's data privacy policies and its dedication to safeguarding user information. Hale responded to concerns regarding data-sharing initiatives, emphasizing Oura's objective to empower users to selectively share their data when it serves their interests. He refuted the concept of unrestricted data dissemination, especially with governmental organizations. Hale affirmed that "the privacy and security of your data is nonnegotiable," particularly in situations where it "could be used in any way against you." This principle remains central to Oura as it contemplates an IPO, intending to preserve user confidence amid increasing anxieties regarding data privacy within the health tech landscape. In a lighter note, Hale also shared his personal commitment to maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, averaging 7.5 hours per night.