DRIVE Norge

What DRIVE Norge does

DRIVE Norge AS is a Norwegian social entrepreneur founded in 2009 by Knut Ove Børseth, a former European rallycross champion, and headquartered in Ler, Trøndelag. Originally established as "Kjør for livet," the organization rebranded to DRIVE in 2021 after partnering with MOT founder Atle Vårvik to professionalize operations and pursue a national footprint. DRIVE delivers youth-development programs targeting at-risk children and adolescents aged 5-25, with three core offerings: Kjør for livet (a weekly club program for ages 12-25 centered on motor skills, mechanical work, and team belonging), WePlay (a free activity program for grades 5-7 focused on inclusion and physical activity), and Dagtilbudet (customized day services for children needing individualized support, priced from 2,250 NOK per day).

The organization's underlying technology is a research-based behavioral methodology codified as the "DRIVE-filosofien" — a set of 52 "triggers" (26 individual-level and 26 group-level) designed to strengthen protective factors including resilience, self-efficacy, and mental stability. Programs are delivered by local DRIVE coaches (miljøarbeidere) distributed across Norwegian communities, with an intensive-program channel at the Børseth Gård DRIVE center in Melhus. Methodology and outcomes have been independently evaluated by SINTEF (since 2019), DNV GL (documenting a 7:1 municipal ROI), and Veritas (longitudinal mental-health outcomes).

DRIVE's business model is structured around contracts with Norwegian municipalities, county municipalities, and state entities that refer vulnerable youth into its programs on a multi-year contract basis. Revenue streams combine managed-services contracts (public sector) and professional-services day care (priced per diem), with services to end participants either free or contract-funded. The organization is registered as an aksjeselskap with charitable articles of association (ideelle vedtekter) and is listed in Norway's Frivillighetsregisteret.

Name

DRIVE Norge

Legal name

DRIVE NORGE AS

Website

https://drivenorge.no

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DRIVE Norge is a Norwegian social entrepreneur that delivers research-based youth-development programs (Kjør for livet, WePlay, Dagtilbudet) for at-risk children and adolescents aged 5-25, funded primarily through municipal and county contracts across Norway.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ler

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government/Public Sector Contracts: DRIVE operates as a social entrepreneur with charitable articles of association, generating revenue through contracts with municipalities (kommuner), counties (fylkeskommuner), and state entities. Services are delivered on behalf of public authorities who refer vulnerable youth to DRIVE programs.
2. Day Care Services (Dagtilbud): Provides adapted leisure services and activity programs for children and youth with pricing from 2,250 NOK per day. Revenue generated from school referrals and municipal contracts for individualized educational support services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

DRIVE delivers research-based youth development programs for at-risk Norwegian children and youth aged 5-25, with three core offerings: the Kjør for livet weekly club program for ages 12-25 (motor skills, mechanics, friendship, awareness, traffic safety), WePlay for grades 5-7 (inclusive activity and team building, free for participants), and Dagtilbudet customized day services in one-on-one or small-group (3-5 participant) settings. Programs are implemented by local DRIVE coaches in communities across Norway and at the Børseth Gård activity center in Melhus, anchored by the proprietary DRIVE-filosofien (2x26 Triggers) framework.

Product overview

DRIVE is a social entrepreneurship organization offering a suite of youth development programs for children and young people aged 5-25 years. The portfolio consists of three core programs: Kjør for livet (a weekly club program for ages 12-25 focusing on motor skills, mekking, friendship, and awareness), WePlay (an activity program for grades 5-7), and Dagtilbudet (customized day services for children with special needs). All programs are implemented in local communities by DRIVE coaches and focus on strengthening belonging and mastery through positive team activities. The organization operates from Børseth Gård in Melhus (DRIVE-senter) and has additional locations across Norway.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kjør for livet A weekly club program for at-risk youth aged 12-25 who need to find their drive and be part of a positive team. Focus areas include awareness, friendship, motor skills, and mekking (mechanical work), with additional traffic accident prevention. Delivered by local DRIVE coaches in communities across Norway.
• WePlay An inclusive activity program for children in grades 5-7 (ages 10-12) that facilitates inclusion in a good team, physical activity, and fun together. All are welcome regardless of background with no requirements for prior knowledge or equipment; the program is free for participants.
• Dagtilbudet (Day Services) Customized day programs and various activity programs for children and youth provided since 2009. An alternative training arena for children and youth who need to be seen, find their drive, get positive experiences, improve learning outcomes, and experience mastery. Delivered in one-on-one or small-group settings of 3-5 participants. Priced from 2,250 NOK per day.

Quantifiable outcome

• 87% of youth stay in school at least one year longer
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• MOT (Atle Vårvik)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021In January 2021, founder Knut Ove Børseth contacted Atle Vårvik, founder of MOT (a youth organization), to bring him on as partner and co-creator to elevate the organization. With Atle Vårvik in the lead, the organization was rebranded to DRIVE in 2021, and new DRIVE programs, philosophy, and concept were developed. This partnership laid the foundation for becoming a strong national brand.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kj-r-for-livet-drive-for-life

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DRIVE Norge