THE NEWS TIMES LIVE — May 3 — More than a year ago, Cupid.com merged with PreDating, speed-dating events, so people could get a live face-to-face spin on internet dating. Cupid.com/PreDating officials say recent research shows the "chemistry" between two people occurs within minutes of meeting. About 60% who attend these events are speed-dating for the first time. Another 20% speed-date regularly. Many of them don't usually go to bars. FULL ARTICLE @ THE NEWS TIMES LIVE
Mark Brooks: I was dismayed but not too surprised when Match shuttered Matchlive.com in 2004. Events are tough, but can have huge rewards. Cupid knows radio, radio loves events. I joined Cupid.com in 2004 as VP to guide the acquisition of Predating.com and revamp the Cupid.com service. Now, members can peruse profiles and preferences on Cupid, communicate with compatibles, then meet and see if they have chemistry. Or, they can follow that routine in reverse with the speed dating option. They can get out and meet ~12 singles and see if they have chemistry, then go online and communicate with them on Cupid.com and peruse their profiles and preferences to see if they are compatible (e.g. do they want kids). Cupid is now unique in the market, and a great acquisition target.