Oura: Alumni Ventures' Pathway to Investment Success
Deal News | May 30, 2025 | Alumni Ventures Group LLC
In early 2019, David Shapiro from Alumni Ventures Group (AV) was inspired by reading 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker, which positioned sleep as a critical health foundation. Fueled by this insight, Shapiro reached out to Walker, leveraging AV's network to explore investment opportunities in the sleep technology sector. This strategic focus led AV to Oura, a company specializing in sleep technology wearables. Shapiro tried the Oura Ring personally, which reaffirmed his interest in pursuing it as an investment. The narrative highlights the combination of curiosity, strategic relationships, and serendipity that guided AV to its investment in Oura.
Sectors
- Sleep Technology
- Wearable Technology
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United States – Alumni Ventures Group is based in the United States, and much of the narrative around the investment decision is set there.
Industry
- Sleep Technology – The article focuses on investment in the sleep technology sector, highlighting products like the Oura Ring.
- Wearable Technology – Oura's main product is a wearable ring that monitors sleep, making this sector relevant to the article.
- Venture Capital – The article discusses a venture capital firm, Alumni Ventures, exploring and investing in a startup company.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni Ventures Group LLC | Private Equity firm | Company | A venture capital firm that invested in Oura. |
| Oura | Target Company | Company | A company specializing in sleep technology wearables. |
| David Shapiro | Founding Partner | Person | A founding partner of Alumni Ventures Blue Ivy Ventures, leading the investment in Oura. |
| Mike Collins | CEO | Person | The CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, who encouraged Shapiro's initial interest. |
| Matthew Walker | Sleep Expert | Person | Renowned author whose work inspired the investment journey. |