South African Healthtech Platform Contro Closes USD 585 K Pre-Seed Funding Round

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 (USD 585 K). The 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. 

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 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.