Ro CEO: Focus on Patients, Not IPO, Despite $6.6 Billion Valuation

Ro, the popular telehealth company known for its innovative approach to men’s and women’s health, is prioritizing patient care over an initial public offering (IPO). CEO Zachariah Reitano, speaking at Axios’s BFD event on October 22nd, declined to comment on potential IPO plans, emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality services to its users.

Staying Private in a Shifting Landscape

While Ro has raised over $1 billion in venture capital, including a recent $150 million round that valued the company at $6.6 billion, Reitano believes the benefits of remaining a private company outweigh the potential advantages of going public. This sentiment aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where late-stage startups are choosing to stay private longer. The rise of the secondary market, offering liquidity to investors and employees, also plays a role in this trend.

Expanding into Weight Loss with GLP-1s

Ro’s focus on patient needs is evident in its recent “uncomfortable bet” on weight loss drugs. In 2023, the company expanded its platform to offer GLP-1 prescriptions, a rapidly growing sector within the healthcare industry. Reitano sees the widespread use of GLP-1s as inevitable, driven by high demand from both patients and providers. This expansion aligns with Ro’s existing focus on men’s and women’s health conditions, as obesity often impacts other areas like fertility and sexual health.

“Providers want patients to have it, and patients desperately want it. Those things have never happened in any drug category before, and so from our perspective, the prevalence and widespread usage of GLP-1s is inevitable,” Reitano said.

Ro: A Commitment to Innovation

Founded in 2017, Ro has established itself as a leader in telehealth, offering accessible and convenient healthcare solutions. From erectile dysfunction to hair growth, fertility, and skin health, Ro continues to expand its offerings, prioritizing patient well-being and leveraging technology to improve healthcare access.

Ready to explore how Ro can help you achieve your health goals? Visit their website today and learn more about their comprehensive range of services.