Meet the Founders of LVNDR Chris and Araxie: “a comprehensive solution that fills a glaring gap in the healthcare system”
1. Describe your startup in two sentences?
LVNDR Health is the first LGBTQ+ platform in Europe providing non-judgemental and inclusive healthcare. We provide a centralised service with at-home diagnostics, remote consultations, and medication delivery.
2. What gave you the inspiration?
Both Chris and I have personally encountered discrimination within the healthcare sector. Born and raised in the Middle East, we learned to conceal our identities in healthcare contexts to avoid prejudice. This didn't change even after moving to the US and UK; we still found ourselves having to repeatedly 'come out', facing a range of understanding about our specific health needs and numerous unfounded assumptions. Our experiences are not isolated - countless stories exist within the community of inadequate care in areas from sexual health to family planning, and gender-affirming care. These experiences ignited our desire to create LVNDR Health, a comprehensive solution that addresses community desires, overcomes provider shortcomings, and fills the glaring gap in the healthcare system. Above all, we aspire to develop a solution that transcends borders, offering support even to those in countries where being true to oneself poses a risk.
3. How did you meet?
Chris and I are not just childhood friends, we are neighbours who grew up in the Middle East. Throughout our formative years, we often brainstormed business ideas and fostered a deep mutual respect for our unique strengths and weaknesses. Our relationship took a transformative turn in 2019, during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a profound exchange, we came out to each other, a moment that opened a gateway to explore our shared experiences. This cemented our resolve to form LVNDR Health, a commitment towards providing the care we wished we had growing up - a mission that has seamlessly blended our individual skills with our shared vision.
4. What has been your greatest success to date? And your greatest challenge?
LVNDR's most significant achievement to date is the launch of the UK's first fully remote preventative HIV pathway, in collaboration with key government bodies. This achievement is highlighted by the establishment of public health contracts - a notoriously challenging feat, made possible by the support of our well-connected angels, NHS advisors and VCs. These contracts will secure a stable revenue stream, facilitating a swift rollout of our services. This success is validated by the outstanding NPS score of 93 from our pilot users, highlighting the tangible impact and critical role of our service in the LGBTQ+ community's health landscape.
In contrast, our main challenge has been navigating the complexities of health system structures and systemic inequalities. As we strive to provide inclusive care, we have had to constantly address misconceptions about the scale of the problem and the community we serve. Overcoming these hurdles and gaps in understanding has been vital, but it has also taught us to effectively communicate the importance of our service. We remain dedicated to educating the wider community about the unique health needs of the LGBTQ+ population, driving us towards more inclusive, equitable healthcare.
5. What kind of impact is your business having and how do you measure it?
LVNDR's impact is seen in the enhanced health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community over time. We quantify this by tracking user engagement, decreases in wait times, uptake of preventative measures, and reductions in mental health crises. We also monitor health disparities within our user base over time, comparing key indicators against national averages. Qualitatively, we collect user feedback, with our pilot phase receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, evidenced by an NPS score of 93.
Our impact extends to the wider health sector through robust partnerships and endorsements from key organisations, demonstrating a collective effort towards a more inclusive, effective system. As the first-ever LGBTQ+ service, LVNDR has already advised the NHS on crafting more inclusive digital care solutions, and we've spotlighted regulatory documentation and procedures that need more inclusive language. This not only broadens their scope but also enhances their research and data approach for improved results and patient intake. We envisage significant long-term societal benefits, including reductions in HIV transmission rates and improved mental health outcomes within the LGBTQ+ community.
6. What is your happy track?
Levitating by Dua Lipa!
7. What are your company values?
Our Values are: Prioritising LGBTQ+ voices, nurturing authenticity, facilitating community collaboration, persevering for enduring solutions, and amplifying impact through partnerships.