FORBES – Hiki, a social and dating app for neurodivergent adults, announced an expansion to include all neurodivergent individuals. CEO Jamil Karriem highlighted new features like high contrast mode and screen reader accessibility. The expansion responds to user demand and aims to create a safe, authentic space for connections. Beta-testers have given positive feedback on the updates.
Category: Hiki
Hiki Is Reimagining What It Means to Be a Dating App With Neurodiversity
FORBES – Jan 8 – The New York-based Hiki is taking a decidedly different approach to online dating than answering a questionnaire, building a profile, and swiping right. The company bills the app as a "friendship and dating app for the Autistic community." "Hiki is a friendship and dating app for Autistic adults," said Jamil Karriem, Hiki's founder and CEO. "It is a safe space where neurodiversity is celebrated and the lived experiences of Autistic adults are honored and validated." Hiki's name is derived from the Hawaiian word for "able." Hiki is venture-backed, and Karriem told me it was challenging in the beginning to get investors to literally buy into helping Autistic people combat isolation. The vast majority of Hiki's employees, over 70%, are Autistic.
Aspie Singles Targets Singles on the Spectrum
OZY.COM – July 31 – A new wave of dating apps is emerging, focused on people on the autism spectrum. One of them is Aspie Singles. The app claims 4,500 users with 15-20 new sign-ups per day. The CDC estimates that ~1% of the world’s population is on the autism spectrum, meaning ~70M people. Standard dating apps like Tinder are open to people with autism, but are designed for those who are neurotypical. Hiki, launched in 2019, is another dating app targeting people on the spectrum. Founded by entrepreneur Jamil Karriem, the app has 9K users. Uneepi, an app launched in 2016, has coaches who help people with autism pick up on social cues and learn to communicate their emotions and desires effectively. It has 3,500 users.
Hiki Is a Dating App for the Autistic Community
YAHOO NEWS – July 18 – Hiki's founder and CEO, Jamil Karriem, was inspired to launch the app because of the experience of a family member with autism. Hiki app allows users to swipe left or right, depending upon what it is they're looking for – friendship or romance.