Les Amis, the European app helping women form friendships, launches in New York

Navigating adult friendships can be challenging, particularly when relocating to a new city. Fortunately, the rise of social connection apps has provided a solution for many. Among them is Les Amis, an innovative platform specifically designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals, primarily targeting users in their mid-20s to early 40s. Founded in 2022 by Anna Bilych, a former PayPal employee, and Oleg Pashinin, who previously worked at Google AI, Les Amis aims to create a vibrant community where like-minded individuals can connect. The app leverages artificial intelligence to match users based on shared interests and encourages participation in local events such as pottery classes, book clubs, wine tastings, and yoga sessions. Launched in New York earlier this month, the app features a user-friendly interface reminiscent of dating platforms. Users can create profiles that include photos, bios, and interests ranging from poetry to martial arts. An AI assistant named “Amis” plays a key role in the matching process, facilitating connections every two weeks between users who share similar interests and life experiences. The AI determines matches on Mondays, allowing users to engage in conversation and plan meetups throughout the week. Additionally, the explore page enables users to register for local activities, workshops, and social gatherings. Recently, the app introduced a new feature called “Trips,” offering group travel opportunities to destinations like Morocco and the Amalfi Coast. Les Amis operates on a membership basis, with fees differing by location—$70 per month in New York and €55 in Amsterdam. Membership includes a flexible credit system that allows users to attend events in any city where Les Amis operates. Currently available on both iOS and Android, the app has already made its mark across several European cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris. Following its debut in Austin last May, New York is the latest U.S. city to join the fold, with plans for expansion to Boston, Washington, D.C., and Miami in the coming months, along with a future launch in Los Angeles. While no events are currently happening in New York, they are set to kick off on August 25. The app is still accepting applications, having received over 2,000 from potential New York users alone. Overall, Les Amis has achieved around 120,000 installs, with approximately 30,000 women having attended events, and the company reports reaching an annual run rate of $1 million.