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A new generation of dating applications is abandoning the swipe-based model that has dominated the industry, instead turning to artificial intelligence to facilitate romantic connections. Young adults express growing frustration with traditional dating platforms, spurring entrepreneurs to develop alternatives that promise more meaningful introductions.
Ditto, founded by former UC Berkeley students Allen Wang and Eric Liu, represents this shift in approach. Rather than requiring users to browse through profiles, the app operates through text messaging and an AI chatbot that gathers information about personality, interests, and preferences. The algorithm then analyzes these attributes to identify potential matches based on deeper compatibility rather than surface-level similarities. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., matched users receive notifications with their date and location, eliminating the negotiation process typical of conventional dating platforms.
The startup has attracted significant investor interest, securing $9.2 million in seed funding from firms including Gradient and Peak XV. Currently available at select college campuses, Ditto has accumulated 150,000 signups, with approximately 20 percent of matches resulting in actual dates. The company plans to expand to additional universities before eventually extending beyond the college market while maintaining safety protocols through institutional verification.
Ditto’s growth has been aided by unconventional marketing strategies that resonate with younger audiences, including viral videos and creative promotional campaigns designed to feel authentic rather than corporate.
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Originally reported by Techcrunch →
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