Top 10 Progressive CEOs In USA 2024

Building a Privacy-First Future

ARLO GILBERT

Chief Executive Officer,

Osano

In a world where data is the new oil and privacy is the currency of trust, Arlo Gilbert stands as a beacon of visionary leadership. As the CEO and co-founder of Osano, Gilbert has not just built a company; he’s architected a movement towards a safer, more transparent digital future. From humble beginnings in Austin, Texas, to leading one of the fastest-growing data privacy companies globally, Gilbert’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and ethical entrepreneurship. His story is one of audacious goals, relentless pursuit, and a deep-seated belief that privacy is not just a feature but a fundamental human right.

“We’re not just building a company; we’re building a future where privacy is respected as a fundamental right. And that’s something worth fighting for”

A Humble Beginning with a Bold Vision

Arlo Gilbert’s story is deeply rooted in his hometown of Austin, Texas, where he grew up and began his journey in the tech world. With over 25 years of experience in building software companies, Gilbert’s portfolio includes ventures in diverse industries, from telecom to compliance. His most significant contribution to the tech world came in 2005 when he invented voice commerce, a breakthrough that would set the stage for his future endeavors. Despite the challenges of navigating uncharted territories, Gilbert’s innovative spirit never wavered. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to foresee the future needs of the market. Osano, the company he co-founded in 2018, was born out of a simple yet profound idea: to make data privacy compliance accessible and straightforward for businesses of all sizes. Today, Osano serves over 750,000 companies worldwide, managing more than 2.5 billion cookie pop ups each month—a testament to the trust and reliance that businesses place in Osano’s solutions.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Arlo Gilbert’s journey has not been without its challenges. From bootstrapping Osano from $0 to $50 million in annual recurring revenue to fighting legal battles that shaped the future of technology, his path is paved with resilience. One of his most significant victories was his fight against Apple to keep jailbreaking legal— a battle that he won, ensuring that users retained control over their devices. This win is a reflection of Gilbert’s broader philosophy: the belief that individuals should have control over their personal data and digital experiences. Gilbert’s approach to business is deeply human. He is a proud father and husband, and his family plays a crucial role in his life. He often credits his children and wife with teaching him how to be a better person every day. This personal touch is evident in the culture he has fostered at Osano, where employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.

Championing Data Privacy: The Osano Journey

Under Gilbert’s leadership, Osano has not only grown in terms of revenue but has also become a beacon of trust and integrity in the industry. The company’s ethos is centered on transparency and the belief that privacy is a fundamental human right. Gilbert’s vision for Osano was clear from the start: to build the most intuitively integrated, easy-to-use data privacy platform in the industry. This vision has guided every decision at Osano, from product development to company culture. One of the most notable achievements under Gilbert’s leadership is Osano’s certification as a B-Corporation, which underscores the company’s commitment to public good through improved data transparency and privacy. This certification is a rare feat in the tech industry, highlighting Gilbert’s dedication to creating a company that not only leads in innovation but also stands as a model of ethical business practices.

A Future-Focused Leader

Looking ahead, Arlo Gilbert remains focused on the future. The recent acquisition of WireWheel, a leading provider of enterprise data privacy solutions, marks a new milestone for Osano, positioning it as an even more formidable force in the industry. Gilbert sees this as just the beginning, with many more innovations on the horizon that will continue to shape the landscape of data privacy. In Gilbert’s own words, “We’re not just building a company; we’re building a future where privacy is respected as a fundamental right. And that’s something worth fighting for.” This quote encapsulates his unwavering commitment to his mission—a mission that continues to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders across the globe. Arlo Gilbert’s story is one of innovation, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place, one step at a time. His leadership at Osano is not just about business success; it’s about setting an example of how technology can be harnessed for the greater good.