SMART COMPANY – Humpday, a new dating app launched in February, limits users to one match per day and only allows messaging on Wednesdays, aiming to reduce dating burnout. Co-founder Kara Zervides says the app's scarcity model drives quicker offline connections, with 20% of users going on real-world dates. Backed by $225K in pre-seed funding, Humpday has 4K users in Sydney and Melbourne, growing 55% monthly. The app also earns revenue from live singles events and date bookings, with plans to expand to the U.S. soon.
Category: Humpday
In-Person Dating Events Make a Comeback
THE AGE – Australian entrepreneurs are reviving in-person dating events and developing new tech solutions. Despite 3M Australians using dating apps, user dissatisfaction has prompted local startups to offer alternatives. Humpday, founded by Charlotte Vieira and Kara Zervides, combines app-based matching with weekly in-person events. CitySwoon hosts ~600 speed dating events annually, boasting a high mutual match rate. Spoony, launching in July, connects individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses for social connections. Red Flags, an upcoming app, aims to foster deeper connections and support relationships beyond initial matches.
Antler Backs Humpday: a New Wednesday-Only Dating App
STARTUP DAILY – Antler Australia, an early-stage investment company, has invested in a new startup called Humpday. Founded in Jan 2023 by Kara Zervides and Charlotte Vieira, Humpday is active only on Wednesdays, encouraging users to make more meaningful connections through limited access. This model is designed to reduce dating app fatigue by promoting intentional use and real-world meetings. The app's development is underway, with a launch planned for Feb 2024.
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