From Rings To Pacifiers, Smart Devices Place Greater Emphasis On Healthy Living

The Slush event, which began with a few hundred participants in 2008, has grown steadily. This year, investors are coming from as far away as Australia to look for opportunities.

Nicholas Young from Otsana Capital, based in Perth, Australia, said the “mood is very energetic and positive,” but declined to name any potential investment targets.

“There’s been an increase in the number of tech health care transactions that have come into the Australian market,” he said. “That’s a massive sector and a huge valuation that can be attributed to something that’s quite simple but can save governments and health organizations around the world lots and lots of money … and keep us living for longer.”

The maker of the smart ring, Ouraring, believes it has an advantage over companies providing only sleep-monitoring equipment, such as smart beds equipped with sensor straps under bed sheets.

“Our rings monitor when you’re asleep, when you’re awake, if you’re sitting, when you’re on the move,” said Kari Kivela, head of design at the Finnish company based in the city of Oulu, a former Nokia hub.