South Africa’s Contro, a telehealth startup that focuses on sexual health and confidence treatment services, has announced the close of an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, raising a total of ZAR10.1 million (US$585,000).
Launched in May 2021, Contro offers subscription services for birth control, erectile dysfunction treatment, and hair loss treatment, as well as one-off treatment for STIs, Thrush and UTIs.
During the consult, the individual is assessed, and if deemed fit by the doctor, prescribed the appropriate medication. Contro then arranges for the individual’s medication to be delivered free to their door every month in discreet packaging, offers automatic refills, and allows individuals to cancel whenever they want. The startup’s platform has so far facilitated treatment for over 2,000 individuals.
The US$585,000 funding was raised from four international and local VCs, namely Plug & Play, iCubed Capital, WZ Capital and the Jozi Angels Network, as well as prominent local and international angels. Contro also received grant funding from the i3 fund, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The funding provides Contro with the capital to further develop its platform and expand its services, as well as grow its team, with the goal of facilitating targeted growth across South Africa.
“Our success to date has shown that putting the customer first is key to creating a successful direct-to-consumer business in South Africa. By understanding the barriers to entry and pain points individuals go through when seeking sexual healthcare services, we have been able to build a service that fundamentally makes access cost-effective, discreet and easier than ever before,” said Contro founder Alex Schmid
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our team has produced, the hours dedicated and the weekends sacrificed to get the company where it is today. Investors have witnessed that determination and the potential Contro has, which has proudly resulted in exceptional VCs, angels and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation backing us and our platform.”
