Voice AI-Driven Dating Tool Revolutionizes In-Person Connections
In a bold move to reshape the dating landscape, San Francisco-based startup Known has introduced an innovative voice AI tool designed to enhance in-person dating experiences. Founders Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen originally developed an app for booking restaurants for dates but pivoted to focus on fostering real-world interactions after discovering that users prefer conversational methods over traditional forms.
The app employs a voice-powered onboarding system that enables users to share details without filling out tedious forms. This approach has led to an impressive average onboarding session length of 26 minutes, indicating users’ engagement levels. Amadon emphasizes that they can effectively match users based on detailed insights gained during these conversations, aiming to streamline the path to successful dates and reduce rejection rates.
Key Features of the Known App:
- Voice-Onboarding: Users respond to dynamic AI-driven questions, allowing for more personalized interactions.
- High Match Rates: Early testing in San Francisco showed an 80% success rate in introductions leading to actual dates, well above traditional swipe-based dating apps.
- Quick Connections: Matched users have a limited timeframe to accept introductions and agree on date logistics, minimizing ghosting and prolonged chatting.
- Restaurant Recommendations: While moving beyond just meal bookings, the app also provides tailored dining options based on user preferences.
With notable early investment of $9.7 million from backers including Forerunner and NFX, Known’s mission to address the growing "loneliness epidemic" among younger generations is gaining traction. Both founders, who left Stanford to pursue this venture, believe that their tool represents a significant shift in how people connect romantically.
The app is currently in beta testing in San Francisco, with an official launch anticipated early next year. As competition in the dating space intensifies, with other startups leveraging AI to enhance matchmaking, Amadon remains optimistic about the market’s evolution. She believes this wave of innovation signals a crucial transition away from outdated swipe models towards deeper, more meaningful connections.
