About Us
Who We Are
Prestar is Redefining Financial Access. While predatory lending keeps hardworking Canadians trapped in cycles of debt, we are building a way up.
Today, Prestar is advancing that vision with its free financial literacy app and innovative credit products in development, designed to recognize financial potential and open doors to economic mobility for more Canadians.
Our Team
Theleepan Marcandu
Raised by a single mother in Toronto's Jane and Finch community, Theleepan Marcandu has witnessed firsthand how financial barriers hold hardworking families back. A CFA charter holder with an MBA and a background in developing successful financial products, he combines industry expertise with a deep commitment to the community where he grew up and continues to volunteer. Determined to build a fairer alternative, he launched a pilot by lending his own money to members of the community. Promising early repayment results laid the foundation for Prestar, a fintech startup focused on expanding financial access and economic mobility for Canadians.
Grace Ardizzi
Grace Ardizzi is the Client Success Lead at Prestar, where she leads community outreach, develops partnerships with community organizations, and helps expand access to financial education. She works closely with community partners and users to gather feedback, identify opportunities for improvement and continuously enhance Prestar’s products and services. She focuses on building meaningful relationships, strengthening community engagement and ensuring that Prestar’s offerings evolve to better meet the needs of the people it serves.