Ferritin levels are the subject of much discussion, with low iron stores frequently linked to fatigue, exhaustion and infertility. Many people who believe their symptoms may be caused by low ferritin levels are seeking information and support.
One company looking to meet this demand is the recently established startup , which has secured a €50,000 investment from the University of Helsinki Funds through the .
The idea for the company emerged when its co-founder, nutritional scientist Mari Lahti, Master of Food Sciences, was struck by how iron deficiency was downplayed when she was being interviewed as an expert on the topic. Together with fellow co-founder Erica de Wit, Bachelor of Economics and Business Administration, she went on to interview a number of women with low ferritin levels.
The same themes came up again and again. Many interviewees felt that women's health concerns are too often overlooked, particularly when it comes to low ferritin levels and iron deficiency.
Service guides users from testing to treatment
Since launching its service at the start of 2026, Ferrivia has built a network of partner laboratories, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and has already attracted over 500 paying users to the platform.
If the client does not have recent test results, the service begins with laboratory testing. Those who wish to explore their own case in greater detail can do so through laboratory data, a background questionnaire and further analysis. Many users benefit from the nutrition and lifestyle guidance available through the platform. Where necessary, clients are referred to a doctor.
US records four million monthly searches for iron levels
At present, the service is available in Europe, but the aim is to expand into the United States.
"The US sees around four million Google searches on iron levels each month. We will pilot the next version of our service for US consumers in late 2026," Lahti explains.
In the longer term, the platform built by Ferrivia will also allow expansion into other areas of women's health.
Double funding success
Earlier this year, Ferrivia received a double funding boost: a €50,000 HELSEED investment from the University of Helsinki Funds and Sprint funding from Business Finland. HELSEED is a student entrepreneurship programme open to both students with new business ideas and more advanced start-up teams. The HELSEED investment acted as the project's self-financing component, paving the way for the company to apply for Sprint funding. It plans to use the funding to develop Ferrivia 2.0.
"Looking ahead, we will become even more data-driven and draw on AI more extensively. We've also welcomed a new founding member, Ville Kumpulainen, previously Director of Software Engineering at Meru Health, who takes responsibility for technical development," says Lahti.
The founders bring with them experience in both entrepreneurship and fast-growing tech companies.
Having submitted its business plan to the HELSEED programme for assessment, the Ferrivia team went on to hold discussions with Deputy Chief Investment Officers Marko Berg and Kimmo Sundqvist of the University of Helsinki Funds.
Both Lahti and de With speak warmly of the valuable information, support and good advice they have received from the pair.
Applications for HELSEED funding are accepted from teams with a clear connection to the University of Helsinki - in Ferrivia's case, through founding member Lahti.
Marko Berg sees real potential in the team:
"When a team combines this level of enthusiasm and drive with prior entrepreneurial experience, I believe almost any obstacle can be overcome. That's often what makes the difference for early-stage start-ups. They're also tackling a real problem, one whose significance is too often overlooked in healthcare."
