Polar Electro Oy, commonly known as Polar, is a Finnish manufacturer of sports technology products, prominently featuring smart sports watches and fitness trackers. Founded in 1977 by Seppo Säynäjäkangas, the company is headquartered in Kempele, Finland. Polar pioneered the development of the first wireless heart rate monitor in 1978, establishing itself as a leader in fitness technology. Over the years, Polar has grown to operate in over 80 countries, supplying their innovative products to more than 35,000 retail outlets globally. As of 2025, Polar continues to be a privately held company.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Kempele, Finland |
| Founders | Seppo Säynäjäkangas |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Private ownership |
| Industry | Consumer Electronics |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 1,200 |
Polar was founded in 1977, not long after Seppo Säynäjäkangas conceptualized the wireless heart rate monitor while skiing in Finland. Recognizing the need for accurate heart rate measuring tools, he paved the way for this new technology in fitness and sports. By 1982, Polar launched the Sport Tester PE 2000, the world's first wearable, wire-free heart rate monitor. This innovation revolutionized the fitness industry, making personalized training accessible to the masses.
Polar's business model centers around their core innovation of heart rate monitoring, with diversification into broader aspects of fitness technology over the decades:
In 2025, Polar remains a leading figure in the sports technology market, emphasizing user-focused innovations and extensive global outreach. The company leverages its historical strength in heart rate monitors to expand into new fitness technologies, including GPS tracking and activity analysis. Polar's competitive advantage lies in its deep-rooted expertise and its ability to adapt and integrate emerging technologies into practical tools for fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike.
Polar's contributions to sports technology have not only advanced the wearable technology market but also reshaped how athletes and fitness enthusiasts monitor and improve their performance. As the company continues to innovate, its commitment to enriching user interaction through personalized and data-driven experiences secures its position as a market leader. Looking ahead, Polar is poised to expand its influence further, potentially integrating more advanced analytics and convenience features, keeping pace with the evolving tech landscape.