A new dating startup, Known, is challenging the traditional swipe-based model by using voice-powered AI to increase real-world dates. The San Francisco-based company recently secured $9.7 million in funding from investors including Forerunner, NFX, Pear VC, and Coelius Capital, marking Forerunner’s first investment in a dating app.
The Problem with Swiping
For years, dating apps have relied on profiles and algorithms to match users. But this approach often leads to endless swiping, superficial connections, and ultimately, less real-life interaction. The “loneliness epidemic” is real, particularly among younger generations, and a major driver for this shift. The founders of Known, Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen, dropped out of Stanford to tackle this issue head-on.
How Known Works: Voice AI Onboarding
Known’s core innovation is its AI-powered onboarding process. Instead of filling out forms, users engage in a voice conversation with the app. This longer, more natural interaction allows the AI to gather detailed insights into user preferences and personality.
- Onboarding sessions average 26 minutes, with some lasting nearly two hours. This is a significant increase compared to typical app sign-ups.
- The AI asks dynamic follow-up questions. If a user mentions moving to the city, the AI digs deeper into their experience. This is something standard profiles can’t replicate.
- Users can even ask AI agents about potential matches. This provides an extra layer of insight before deciding to connect.
Results: 80% In-Person Date Rate
Early testing in San Francisco yielded impressive results: 80% of introductions led to in-person dates. This is substantially higher than rates seen on swipe-based apps. The app encourages quick action by giving matched users 24 hours to accept the introduction and then another 24 hours to schedule a date.
The company has experimented with a $30 per successful date model, but is open to other pricing options.
Why This Matters
The success of Known underscores a growing demand for more meaningful dating experiences. Traditional dating apps have become transactional; Known is attempting to restore the human element. Investors are betting that a voice-first approach can cut through the noise and drive genuine connections.
Eurie Kim, a partner at Forerunner, highlighted the founder’s understanding of the young female demographic, a key target for this app. “She is focused on the young female who has a lot of unspoken desires and needs that… in a conversation, you can get a lot of those nuances out.”
Known plans to launch publicly early next year, and will continue testing in San Francisco. The startup currently has three full-time engineers and four people working on go-to-market.
The rise of AI-powered dating apps signals a broader trend: consumers want more personalized, efficient, and authentic ways to connect. Whether Known can maintain its high success rate as it scales remains to be seen, but the company’s early traction suggests a viable alternative to the swipe-based status quo.
