Key Points
- Voice‑AI onboarding replaces traditional form‑filling.
- Longer, conversational sessions capture richer user data.
- High in‑person date conversion in early San Francisco testing.
- Secured funding from Forerunner, NFX, Pear VC and Coelius Capital.
- AI suggests matches, answers profile questions, and helps schedule dates.
- Limited acceptance windows aim to reduce ghosting.
- Post‑date feedback refines future match recommendations.
- Positioned as a challenger to swipe‑based dating apps.
Voice‑AI Onboarding
Founders Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen created Known after discovering that people enjoy speaking to an AI more than typing answers. Their voice‑powered onboarding asks users a series of questions, allowing the system to gather nuanced information that would be hard to capture in a traditional profile. The conversational format results in longer onboarding sessions, with some users spending over an hour interacting with the AI.
Early Results and Funding
In a test phase in San Francisco, Known reported that a large majority of its introductions led to in‑person dates, a rate far higher than typical swipe‑based apps. Buoyed by these outcomes, the startup raised a multi‑million‑dollar round from investors such as Forerunner, NFX, Pear VC and Coelius Capital. Forerunner highlighted Amadon’s deep understanding of the target demographic.
Product Features
After onboarding, the AI suggests potential matches and can answer user questions about profiles. When two users express interest, they have a limited window to accept the introduction and arrange a date. The app encourages quick commitment to avoid prolonged chats and ghosting. Post‑date feedback is collected to refine future recommendations. Known also offers restaurant suggestions and integrates calendar availability to streamline date planning.
Market Position
Known joins a wave of new dating services that are leveraging AI to move beyond the swipe model. While incumbents like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge are adding AI features, startups such as Known aim to provide a more personalized matchmaking experience at a fraction of traditional matchmaking costs. The company plans to expand beyond its beta testing in San Francisco and launch more broadly in the near future.
Source: techcrunch.com