diff --git a/automate/__main__.py b/automate/__main__.py
index 576a351..2e45967 100644
--- a/automate/__main__.py
+++ b/automate/__main__.py
@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
     logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
     logger = logging.getLogger('automate')
 
+    from pathlib import Path
+    Path('livedata').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+
     from utils.flockish import ensure_process_lock, set_lock_path
     set_lock_path("livedata/automate.lock")
     ensure_process_lock()
diff --git a/manage/__main__.py b/manage/__main__.py
index 618ad87..216c004 100644
--- a/manage/__main__.py
+++ b/manage/__main__.py
@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
     logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
     logger = logging.getLogger('manage')
 
+    from pathlib import Path
+    Path('livedata').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+
     from utils.flockish import ensure_process_lock, set_lock_path
     set_lock_path("livedata/manage.lock")
     ensure_process_lock()