Spotify Co-founder Invests in Swedish Health Startup Certan

Five years ago, health profile David Haroun launched the online store Certan. Initially, the business idea was to sell a small number of self-developed dietary supplements. Today, the company’s service palette also includes training clothes, training books, and dietary advice. Since its inception, the company has grown rapidly – not least because David Haroun can market Certan to hundreds of thousands of followers via his social media.

Now, the health company is replenishing its coffers for the first time, as Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon joins as a part-owner. The investment of 25 million SEK is made through his investment company Rosello and values Certan at nearly 83 million SEK.

“It was important for us to get the right investor. Martin also has a holistic view of training, so it feels good to have Rosello on board,” says David Haroun, founder and CEO of Certan.

Certan is not the first health company in which Martin Lorentzon’s Rosello becomes a part-owner. He has invested in his Spotify partner Daniel Ek’s preventative healthcare venture Neko, and the duo has previously invested in the Sand Clinic. Earlier this year, Martin Lorentzon also invested 10 million SEK in TV personality Gina Dirawi’s startup company Zëiyt, which will produce and sell olive oil from Palestine intended for skin and hair.

Through the capital injection, Rosello secures 30 percent of the shares from the previously sole owner David Haroun, while Pär Ceder joins the board.

The new funds will be used to refine the platform and hire more staff. According to David Haroun, Certan now resembles a traditional online store, which he believes does not reflect the company’s broader range of services.

“Sales are of course important, but we also gather experts in nutrition, training, and health. We need to show that more clearly,” the CEO states.

Certan’s financial statements are not yet finalized, but the CEO states that turnover landed close to 10 million SEK last year, compared to just under 4 million in 2023. At the same time, Certan’s profit appears to have increased from 145,000 to nearly 1.4 million SEK.

If the order rate continues, revenues are expected to double this year as well.

“Late last year, we started offering help to customers who wanted to eat right. We have seen a great demand for this,” explains David Haroun.

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