South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Contro is a comprehensive health-tech platform that offers affordable, discreet and convenient access to virtual consultations, on-demand pathology services and free medication delivery for stigmatised healthcare services.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Contro is a comprehensive health-tech platform that offers affordable, discreet and convenient access to virtual consultations, on-demand pathology services and free medication delivery for stigmatised healthcare services.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

44 million Individuals in both urban and rural areas of South Africa face significant challenges when accessing public healthcare. These issues stem from a scarcity of available providers, limited medical supplies, and pervasive stigma, whilst private healthcare services remain an unaffordable alternative even for the 10 million individuals who use them.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Full End-to-End Treatment: Contro uniquely offers a complete healthcare journey, from initial virtual consultations to on-demand pathology services and free medication delivery, providing a seamless experience that covers all aspects of treatment without requiring physical visits to multiple facilities. Discretion: Contro prioritizes patient privacy and non-judgmental service, ensuring that sensitive health conditions are treated with the utmost confidentiality. This discretion builds trust and encourages more individuals to seek necessary care without fear of stigma or breach of privacy. Accessibility (Affordable and Convenient): Contro makes healthcare both affordable and convenient, breaking down financial and geographical barriers that often hinder access to quality care. By offering competitive pricing and integrating services online, Contro ensures that effective healthcare is readily available to anyone with internet access, including those in remote areas.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Contro serves South Africans who struggle to access traditional healthcare due to geographic, financial, or social barriers. Our services target: Residents of Rural and Township Areas: We provide remote access to health consultations and drug deliveries, overcoming the challenge of physical distance. People with Stigmatized Health Conditions: Our platform offers a private, non-judgmental space for those seeking discreet consultations and treatments for conditions like mental health issues and sexual health concerns. Students and Blue-Collar Workers: Through affordable pricing and partnerships with universities and businesses, we help these groups access necessary healthcare without financial strain. General Populace Seeking Private Healthcare: Contro offers a more affordable alternative to private care, attracting those put off by the high costs of traditional private healthcare.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-06-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Contro's competitive edge lies in our diverse expertise and passion for improving healthcare in South Africa. Alex Schmid (CEO): An experienced solicitor and business builder, Alex leads with strategic vision and a commitment to telehealth innovation. Anna Jackson (COO): With a background in finance and operations, Anna brings efficiency and a passion for sexual health to our operations. Ross Malan (CTO): A front-end developer with fintech experience, Ross ensures our platform is user-friendly and technologically advanced. Dave Saunders (CIO): A seasoned back-end developer and Cyber Security expert, Dave guarantees the security and reliability of our telehealth platform. Together, we address healthcare challenges by offering an innovative, affordable, and secure telehealth platform, reducing costs and making healthcare more accessible and convenient for all South Africans.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.contro.co.za/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Contro supports the SDG of Good Health and Well-Being by enhancing healthcare access and quality in South Africa. Targeting underserved groups such as those in rural areas, individuals with stigmatized conditions, students, and blue-collar workers, Contro provides virtual consultations, on-demand pathology services, and free medication delivery. This approach breaks down geographic and financial barriers, facilitating timely and effective healthcare for these populations. By focusing on the needs of economically disadvantaged and stigmatized groups, Contro contributes to reducing health inequalities and aligns with SDG 3 targets like reducing maternal mortality, ending preventable child deaths, combating sexually transmitted infections, and supporting mental health, underscoring our dedication to improving global health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Contro aligns with the SDG goal of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by leveraging innovative digital technologies to revolutionize healthcare delivery in South Africa. Our platform integrates advanced systems for virtual consultations, on-demand pathology services, and efficient medication delivery, establishing a robust infrastructure that extends healthcare accessibility to underserved populations. This digital infrastructure not only enhances healthcare services but also fosters industry growth by promoting technological advancements within the health sector. Contro's model supports sustainable industrialization by improving healthcare infrastructure, which is crucial for economic development and societal well-being. Our efforts to provide comprehensive, efficient, and innovative healthcare solutions demonstrate our commitment to bolstering infrastructure and innovation, directly contributing to achieving this SDG goal.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

N/A

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Contro proudly stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our services represent a new type of healthcare solution that seamlessly integrates technology with patient care, addressing previously unmet needs. We agree that our platform not only introduces new technology but also significantly improves and extends the range of existing healthcare services. Where our technology stands out is by taking what are existing services and combining them in single process flows in a automated and seamless manner. Through this technology we cater to underserved demands, ensuring accessible and efficient healthcare for all.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors in the digital healthcare space include Zoie Health, Kena Health, and &bam. What sets Contro apart is our comprehensive service model that covers the full end-to-end healthcare process. Unlike our competitors, who typically focus on specific segments of the patient journey, Contro provides a seamless experience from initial consultation through to treatment and follow-up, including on-demand pathology services and medication delivery. This holistic approach ensures that patients receive continuous and integrated care, addressing a broader range of health needs without the usual limitations found in other services. Our unique model makes healthcare more accessible, efficient, and effective, distinguishing us as leaders in the field.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, we have been assisting with the Hanga SRH accelerator program to promote female entrepreneurs in the space of sexual and reproductive health across Africa through early stage start-up mentorship and assisting them with monetizing their businesses.