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Category: Chapter Two

Nicki Wake, Widowed in 2020, Built Chapter2dating, Now Used by 25,000 People

Posted on May 6, 2026
Logo of Chapter 2

MYLONDON – Nicki Wake’s husband, Andy, suffered two heart attacks within 3 days in 2017 and required round-the-clock care for the next 3 years before dying in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. His death led to a 3-year period of severe grief. During recovery, she connected with widows’ support networks where the idea of a “second chapter” relationship emerged. After finding that traditional dating apps did not meet her needs, she created two platforms: Chapter2dating for long-term relationships and WidowsFire for casual intimacy. The platforms now have ~25K users across 4 countries (UK, US, Canada, and Australia) and have resulted in multiple relationships, including marriages and children. Nicki herself met her current partner through the platform, and they have been together for 10 months.

See full article at Yahoo! News

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Top Dating Apps by Press Coverage in 2025

Posted on January 15, 2026
Top Dating Apps by Press Coverage in 2025

OPW – In 2025, we selected and summarized over 600 of the top news items mentioning 212 companies from the online dating industry. Tinder took the top spot, followed by Match Group and Hinge. Here’s the full list of dating companies that received the most press coverage last year:

1. Tinder – CEO Faye Iosotaluno was replaced by Spencer Rascoff who took over the brand in an attempt to reinvent it for Gen Z through safety tools, AI, and product experiments.
2. Match Group – hired a new CEO, Spencer Rascoff, but lost several long term C-level execs, acquired Her and Salams, and pivoted to AI and emerging markets.
3. Hinge – reached 15 MAU worldwide, launched in Mexico and Brazil and also launched new features, but ended the year with it’s founder and CEO Justin McLeod stepping down, being succeeded by the CMO, Jackie Jantos.
4. Grindr – saw a year of growth, with numerous new features launched, mostly AI and safety oriented. At the end of the year, he company experienced a buyout attempt, which ultimately failed due to financing uncertainty.
5. Bumble – Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as a CEO in an attempt to revive the company which lost over 90% of it’s market value in the last 4 years. The company announced major layoffs and shut down two previously acquired apps, Fruitz and Official. It launched Bumble BFF as a standalone app.
6. Happn – was acquired by Hello Group, introduced flexible relationship options, and launched AI powered “Perfect Date” tool.
7. Matrimony.com – invested in AI in and attempt to boost the growth, however later financial results showed rising costs and a year-on-year profit decline in Q2 FY2026. In December, the company announced a share buyback.
8. Three Day Rule – launched a “$1 Million Matchmaking” service, secured an investment from Palm Venture Studios. Later in the year, it introduced Tai, an AI-powered matchmaking app.
9.-10. Chapter2, Match.com, OkCupid, Sitch, Tea
Chapter 2 acquired M14 white label dating platform last year. Match.com released another Singles in America study in June. OkCupid was usually mentioned alongside other Match Group’s app and we also used several of OKCupid’s studies for posts last year. Sitch raised $6.7M and announced the U.S. expansion. Tea was first mentioned as a fast growing app that should help women spot red flags before a first date, but their news coverage quickly turned to negative with two hacks that exposed user data. In October, the app was removed from AppStore by Apple.

Read the full version of the article

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Chapter 2 Hosts New Event for Widowed Singles in London

Posted on November 26, 2025
Logo of Chapter 2

LONDON-TV – Chapter 2 Dating, the UK’s first app for widows and widowers, is hosting a free Widowed Speed Social on 2 Dec 2025 in Central London. The event gives bereaved singles a safe, welcoming space to meet others who understand their journey and are open to friendship or romance. Founded by widow Nicky Wake, Chapter 2 is bringing its community offline to support people navigating life after loss. Men are especially encouraged to attend, as widowed men are often underrepresented in support spaces.

See full article at London-TV

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Chapter 2 Dating Founder Nicky Wake Launches Support Community for Bereaved Partners

Posted on September 24, 2025
Chapter2 Nicky Wake

PROLIFIC NORTH – Manchester entrepreneur and widowed founder Nicky Wake (Chapter 2 Dating, WidowsFire) has launched The Widowed Collective, a not-for-profit CIC offering peer support, practical resources, and social events for anyone who has lost a partner. Membership is free with access to a private forum and online/in-person meetups. The first in-person event is Thu 2 Oct, 6–9pm at The Alchemist, New York Street, Manchester. The Collective is recruiting Advocates to lead local groups and help with fundraising/governance. It aims to grow across the UK and is fundraising to expand to the US. All proceeds are reinvested into the community.

See full article at Prolific North

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Chapter 2 Dating Acquires M14 White Label Dating Platform

Posted on September 9, 2025
Logo for Chapter 2 Dating featuring a heart and the text 'Chapter 2' in vibrant colors on a purple background.

MANCHESTER WORLD – Chapter 2 Dating Ltd, founded by Nicky Wake, has acquired the M14 white-label dating and social app platform, which powers its apps Soberlove, Chapter 2 Dating, and Widows Fire. M14 was created by John Kershaw in 2017 and acquired by Steve Pammenter in 2022. Following the sale, Pammenter will focus on growing Gaydar and developing Highlife Media.

See full article at Manchester World

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Chapter 2 Dating Seeks £150K to Scale Niche Apps

Posted on July 4, 2025

ChapterTwo logoOPW – Chapter 2 Dating is seeking £150K in investment to scale its three niche dating platforms designed for underserved communities. Chapter 2 Dating supports widows and widowers looking for long-term relationships, WidowsFire offers a space for intimacy within the bereaved community, and SoberLove connects sober and sober-curious individuals seeking relationships outside alcohol-focused environments. Launched in 2022, the company has ~20K users across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, and has previously raised £250K from 14 investors across three rounds. It reported a 27% increase in monthly active users last quarter and a 405% YOY growth in recurring revenue.

See the top news on Chapter 2

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Chapter 2 Dating Seeks £150K to Expand

Posted on July 1, 2025

ChapterTwo logoBUSINESS CLOUD – Nicky Wake, founder of Chapter 2 Dating, is seeking £150K in investment to scale her portfolio of niche dating apps aimed at widows, widowers, and sober individuals. Launched in 2022, the business includes platforms like WidowsFire.dating and SoberLove.app, and now has ~20K users across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. The round, based on a £3M valuation, is approved under the UK's Enterprise Investment Scheme. Revenue is up 405% YOY, with the US now contributing 40% of income.

See full article at Business Cloud

See the top news on Chapter 2

This post also appears on InternetDatingInvestments.com

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Americans Shift Dating App Locations to Canada Amid Political Frustration

Posted on May 6, 2025

Maplematch iconTHE STAR – Since Trump's re-election, dating platforms have seen a rise in Americans, especially women, changing their app locations to Canada in search of partners and political alignment. MapleMatch, a dating app created for U.S.-Canada connections, reported 5,500 new users since Nov 2024, with 1K signing up on election day. Matchmakers and coaches confirm increased interest in Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, citing political dissatisfaction and a desire for stability. Chapter 2 Dating noted a doubling of U.S. requests to connect with Canadian users since Trump's inauguration.

by Samantha Fink
See full article at The Star

See the top news on Chapter 2
See the top news on Maple Match

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Chapter 2 Releases Report on Widowed Dating Challenges

Posted on January 30, 2025

ChapterTwo logoCHAPTER 2 – Chapter 2's report, Love After Loss: Rediscovering Joy and Connection, reveals the challenges widows and widowers face when dating again. 90% say their late partner's memory influences new relationships, 71% feel uncomfortable with modern dating, and 46% struggle with online platforms. Timing is another hurdle, with 22% feeling they waited too long and 15% starting too soon. Family plays a key role, as 80% have children to consider.

See the top news on Chapter 2

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Chapter2 Dating App Expands Overseas

Posted on July 8, 2024

ChapterTwo logoBURYTIMES.CO.UK – Nicky Wake launched Chapter2, a dating app for widows and widowers, in the UK in November 2022. After gaining thousands of users and success stories, including friendships and an engagement, she is now expanding the app to America, Canada, and Australia. Chapter2 provides a safe space for widows to find friendship and companionship. The app launched in America and Australia on July 4 and will debut in Canada on July 8. To celebrate, free premium access will be available in all three countries until early next year.

by James Mutch
See full article at BuryTimes.co.uk

See the top news on Chapter 2

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