Using human matchmaking expertise to fuel its AI model, Sitch, a new dating app, intends to ascertain the answer.
Today, dating applications rely on the rapidity of enrollment and the availability of millions of options. Users can establish profiles in seconds by submitting photographs and responding to straightforward inquiries.
The apps then utilize fundamental information and feedback from users’ swipes to identify potential matches.
Sitch endeavors to integrate a human matchmaker’s expertise into the dating app experience by employing large language models (LLMs) and a more deliberate induction process. This approach enables users to identify potential matches without the need to swipe.
Nandini Mullaji, who received her expertise in the dating industry from her grandmother, who was also a matchmaker, co-founded the venture.
She stated that even though companies such as Bumble and Match dominate the market, individuals remain dissatisfied and are not receiving the desired matches.
“Matchmaking is a data-driven issue.” I have been successful in matchmaking because I possess a wealth of information about two individuals that a dating program would not.
Mullaji stated that the data in those applications is inadequate to determine whether two individuals will have a lasting relationship.
Mullaji, a Stanford Business School graduate, has been involved in various dating and education-related initiatives, including the launch of Bumble in India. As the Chief Technology Officer of the clandestine social network Whisper, co-founder Chad DePue later served as an employee of Snap.
Mullaji observed that the human-in-the-loop coupling experience was difficult to scale until recently when large language models (LLMs) became more widely available. DePue further stated that the startup aims to utilize LLMs to extract data from profiles and images and present personalized matches.
In essence, Sitch developed an AI version of Mullaji that assists users in acclimating by posing nearly 50 inquiries, which they can respond to via text or voice.
The AI matchmaker presents its recommended matches to the dater after configuring the profile. If they agree to match, the bot adds both users to a group conversation with the AI. Users can provide feedback on their matches at any moment, even after their real-life dates, to enhance the AI’s personalization.
“We are constantly surprised and thrilled by how much users trust us in terms of what users share when they are onboarding and when they later provide feedback,” DePue said. “I think they are also sharing a lot more openly as they know this data is not being publicly shared.”
The startup initially trained its AI models with over 75 parameters for matchmaking provided by Mullaji, and it tapped into her matchmaking abilities to understand why she believed two people would match. Subsequently, the organization implemented user feedback to augment its models.
Sitch determines the compatible and contrasting characteristics between two profiles to generate matches.
The company charges users for each set-up (a match), and it offers set-ups in bundles of three ($89.99), five ($124.99), and eight ($159.99).
Sitch has received $5 million in initial funding from M13 and a16z speedrun, bringing its total funding to $7 million. According to Anna Barber, a partner at M13, the venture firm was enthusiastic about the idea of a startup that would utilize AI to develop a courting application.
“She further stated that a significant number of dating applications operate in a manner reminiscent of mobile games, to extend the user’s attention or gamify the experience to increase engagement, which in turn results in increased sales.” “The team is relieved of the responsibility of implementing these growth hacks with Sitch, as users must pay in advance.”
Sitch currently provides its services exclusively in New York; however, it intends to expand its operations to additional cities this year. The organization stated that it is conducting a manual review of all profiles to ensure the safety and integrity of the product.
The startup may face a challenging task because larger companies, such as Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr, also incorporate AI into various app experiences.
Sitch is relying on the possibility that individuals may be considering transitioning from swipe-based applications, as Tinder and Bumble experienced a decline in popularity last year.
Additionally, the company is particular about the app becoming more distinctive as users provide additional data and demonstrate a commitment to serious courting.
The application is presently accessible on Apple’s App Store.
