Known uses voice AI to help you go on more in-person dates

Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen, two innovative minds from San Francisco, have embarked on an exciting journey to reshape the dating landscape. Originally focused on developing an app that utilized AI to reserve restaurants for dates, they discovered a more profound concept aimed at promoting in-person relationships. This idea has quickly attracted the attention of investors. The duo's breakthrough came with the introduction of a voice-driven AI onboarding system for their application. This feature allows users to share their preferences without the tediousness of filling out traditional forms. The result? Users engaged in conversations that averaged an impressive 26 minutes, highlighting their eagerness to connect. Amadon articulated the app's vision: "For the first time, we could gather enough insights about someone to tailor a date that truly aligns with their interests. Our goal is to streamline this process, minimizing rejection and enhancing the overall user experience, leading to more successful dates." So far, the results have been promising. During its testing phase in San Francisco, Known reported that 80% of its facilitated introductions resulted in actual dates, a significant improvement compared to conventional swipe-based dating platforms. Encouraged by these outcomes, the startup has successfully secured $9.7 million in funding from notable investors, including Forerunner, NFX, PearVC, and Coelius Capital. This marks Forerunner's inaugural investment in a dating app. Eurie Kim, a partner at Forerunner, praised Amadon’s ability to understand the needs of young female users. "Celeste is exceptionally insightful regarding the consumer mindset, particularly for young women who often have unexpressed desires. In a conversation, we can uncover these nuances, which are often lost in traditional profiles." Amadon, who has a passion for social impact, emphasized the importance of addressing the loneliness epidemic affecting her generation. Having dropped out of Stanford alongside Allen to pursue this venture, she stated, "The issue of loneliness is one of the most significant challenges we face today." Currently in its beta phase, the Known app employs voice AI to facilitate interactive onboarding. This allows users to express themselves more naturally, with one participant even spending an hour and 38 minutes sharing their thoughts. The AI can adapt its questions based on the conversation, ensuring a personalized experience. Once onboarding is complete, the app suggests potential matches and enables users to inquire about their profiles. If both parties express interest, they have a limited window of 24 hours to accept the introduction and agree on a date. This mechanism aims to reduce prolonged chats and ghosting, encouraging users to meet face-to-face. Post-date, users can provide feedback to the AI, which refines future match recommendations. While the initial concept of restaurant bookings remains part of the app's offerings, it also assists users in selecting venues based on their preferences and availability. Initially charging $30 for each successful date, the company is open to experimenting with various pricing models. At present, Known employs three full-time engineers and four go-to-market staff, with plans to expand as funding allows. As Known prepares for its early 2024 launch, it finds itself in a competitive landscape filled with startups aimed at transforming online dating. Amadon welcomes this competition, stating, "Seeing more startups emerge in this space indicates a shift away from the swipe model. Each of these new offerings brings something unique, and I believe they differ significantly from what we are creating at Known."