Trusti Raises $300K Pre-Seed Round and Launches in Ontario with At-Home Rapid STI Testing Platform

Young founders aim to curb Canada 's sexual health crisis with at-home testing paired with premium virtual follow-up and digital education tools.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 /trusti, a women-led healthtech startup, has announced the successful close of a $300,000 pre-seed funding round as it officially launches its at-home rapid STI testing platform in Ontario. The raise marks a major milestone in the company 's mission to revolutionize sexual health care through accessible diagnostics and innovative digital education tools.

The round includes backing from LOI Venture, co-founded by Ryan Holmes (Founder, Hootsuite) and Manny Padda (serial entrepreneur and angel investor), who recognize trusti 's potential to disrupt traditional models of sexual health delivery.

trusti 's services are now available to more than 14 million residents across Ontario. The company 's first product is a Health Canada-licensed, rapid at-home HIV test, delivered discreetly to users ' doorsteps. Each kit includes clear instructions and the option to access telehealth support from licensed nurses via trusti 's partnership with Serefin Health - ensuring users receive guidance for completing the test, understanding their results, or connecting to further care.

"We 're proud to power the care side of trusti 's offering," says Skip Schwartz, President of Serefin Health. "Our collaboration speaks to a future where diagnostics start at home and health services meet people exactly where they are."

trusti is actively expanding its test menu, with plans to offer a dual HIV/syphilis test by summer 2025, and is preparing to launch additional rapid STI tests - such as those for chlamydia and gonorrhea-pending Health Canada approval.

Though currently exclusive to Ontario, trusti has its sights set on nationwide and U.S. expansion by 2026.

In parallel, trusti is advancing applied AI research in partnership with Georgian College, with projects focused on result interpretation, symptom triage, and digital health literacy. The company is also developing a first-of-its-kind interface to make sexual health data more accessible and actionable for the public.

"At-home diagnostics are the future," says Serina Ahmad, trusti 's co-founder and CEO. "Everyone deserves to understand their sexual health and have tools that are accessible, private, and judgment-free."

"There 's universal appeal here," adds Ella Farlinger, co-founder and COO. "Whether you 're a college student in Toronto or a rural resident lacking options, trusti meets people where they are."

trusti 's approach borrows design cues from modern wellness brands - intentionally avoiding the sterile, clinical feel of traditional health products. Its digital experience is inclusive, trauma-informed, and built to preserve user dignity and autonomy.

"Ella and Serina instantly stood out in LOI 's Labs program," says Rob Ironside, Executive Director of the League of Innovators Accelerator. "Their mix of grit, strategy, and deep commitment to solving a real public-health problem is inspiring."

"Canada needs more women-led startups like trusti," said Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. "These young women are fearless, fast-moving, and focused on issues that actually matter. This is exactly the kind of innovation we 're proud to champion."

Backed by funding, strategic partnerships, and a strong product vision, trusti is just getting started - and the future of sexual health in Canada is looking brighter than ever. Go to trusti.ca to learn more or follow @trustitests. STIs, demystified.

About trusti

At Trusti, our mission is to provide discreet, efficient, and convenient access to at-home rapid STI testing in Canada. You deserve peace of mind - no more waiting, no more guessing.

Contact Information:

Trusti Diagnostics Inc.
Ella Farlinger
647-774-557
ella@trusti.ca

SOURCE:

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