How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
SuperBetter is helping to reduce the global mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.SuperBetter is one of the most effective mobile apps validated for reducing anxiety and depression (findings from 5 published meta-analyses).The company's unique methodology activates the psychological strengths of game play to tackle challenges in real life. Nearly a million people have played SuperBetter so far. It is regularly featured on media lists of best apps for mental health alongside Calm & Headspace.To address the immediate challenges, we urgently added new pandemic-specific content to the app. Universities, K12 schools, health systems, therapists & non-profits commonly refer SuperBetter as a COVID-19 support resource. App downloads & global sessions have surged since the pandemic. Our next goal is to impact those most effected by the crisis including youth, young adults & underserved populations.We have a plan to make our popular SuperBetter app available for free to everyone around the world for a year. The plan includes adding more COVID-19 content (e.g. for social isolation, trauma, PTSD, job loss, grieving, etc.), adding a game-changing peer support experience & offering the app in multiple languages.After the crisis - and with learning from millions of new users - we'll expand SuperBetter to the higher ed channel as a solution for student success & retention. Future channels include K12 Schools (social-emotional learning) & employers (learning & development).
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Response - we're responding directly to issues caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market-ready product/service. I could sell it to customers
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
Our company was co-founded by Jane McGonigal, Chief Science Officer and Keith Wakeman, CEO. Jane is the inventor of SuperBetter. She is a researcher, world-renowned game designer and global thought leader for using the science of games to improve real lives. Jane's popular TED Talk with her inspiring story that led to SuperBetter has over 7 million views. Jane's book, SuperBetter, The Power of Living Gamefully, is a NY Times Best Seller. Jane created SuperBetter to help herself recover from post-concussion syndrome after experiencing anxiety, depression and suicide ideation.Keith is an innovator, brand builder and social entrepreneur. He has led teams to develop over $1 billion in new products & businesses in the health, wellness, food and nutrition industries.Keith's background blends general management and cpg brand management with extensive new venture & innovation leadership experience. He is a systems thinker who brings a uniquely broad perspective and deep experience to the disciplined process of identifying, developing, incubating & successfully expanding new brands, products, services & go-to-market models. He understands the value chain and builds ventures that are scalable and sustainable with strong competitive advantage derived from differentiated brands, unique products, proprietary technologies, innovative marketing and smart distribution & supply chains.Keith has personal experience with anxiety and is a regular user of SuperBetter.
What countries do you operate in?
SuperBetter has global appeal. SuperBetter has attracted a passionate global following by delivering its method and content as a game. Its popularity draws from the cultural phenomenon of video games now played by 2.7 billion people around the world -- including 65% of Americans. 40% of SuperBetter users live outside the U.S. Top 8 Countries (2019)1. U.S.2. Canada3. UK4. Australia5. Germany6. Brazil7. Netherlands8. ChinaThe current version of SuperBetter is available only in English language. Our app store reach is global. As we expand into b2b channels our plan is to start in the U.S.
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
No
