Lived

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and innovators working on our next generation of new business startups, social enterprises and small businesses.

At a glance

Founder: Sally Metelerkamp

Business: Lived

Founded: 2020

HQ: Otago

Can you tell us a bit about your business?

Lived is a revolutionary peer-led platform that is changing the way people approach alcohol. With a fully personalised experience, Lived matches you with others who are similar to you and have successfully navigated their own journey with alcohol. This allows you to learn from people you can actually relate to and get a leg-up on your own path.

Using bite-sized audio that takes 15 minutes or less, Lived provides quick insights into what really works from people who have been there and can relate to your situation. With content recommendations and a live community that evolves with your goals, mood, and experiences, Lived finds what will work for you—on the good days and even the more challenging ones.

What’s the backstory for your business idea?

Sally grew up knowing first hand how complex and isolating addiction can be.

With both of her parents struggling with addiction, Sally experienced how a disjointed support system and misinformed stigma, impacted their ability to break free.

The fact is: Complex health challenges are personal, but the solutions weren’t.

The injustice of helplessly watching her loved ones become ostracised for one of the most common health conditions in the world, ignited a passion to radically change the way people access and experience support for some of life’s toughest challenges.

With a view to not only change the conversation, but to provide more effective, accessible and personalised support, the vision for Lived was born.

What programmes, learning or mentoring have been of assistance so far?

Sally joined Antler’s Founder Program and became the first Antler Founder globally to secure investment as a solo founder, and Lived was born.
Sally has also been a member of Startmate, On Deck and Girls in Tech.
Lived is currently in a funding round, featuring top-tier investors such as Airtree Ventures and Folklore Ventures, along with a notable ensemble of angel investors. We are still actively welcoming additional investment opportunities to further fuel our growth and innovation.