Summary:
Rob Long transitions from bowling and restaurant industries to lead a dating app startup, Surf Dating.
The app uses a grid format for viewing matches, enhancing user experience compared to traditional swiping apps.
A verification process ensures all profiles are real, promoting safety and trust among users.
Surf Dating has achieved over 13,000 downloads and is expanding its user base across 48 states.
The startup is currently raising $2 million in funding to boost marketing and growth efforts.
Introducing Surf Dating
Rob Long, known for his ventures in the bowling and restaurant industries, is now stepping into the dating scene as the CEO of Surf Dating. This innovative app aims to raise $2 million to enhance its platform, which has already garnered attention since its launch in October 2023.
Rob Long is the CEO of the emerging Surf Dating. (Photos courtesy Rob Long)
A Unique Approach to Online Dating
Unlike traditional dating apps that rely on swiping, Surf Dating employs a grid format. This allows users to view more potential matches quickly and filter them based on interests, making the experience more personalized. Long likens it to Zillow for dating, where users can see everyone and sort through profiles that matter to them.
Safety and Verification
To ensure a secure environment, Surf Dating incorporates a verification process to confirm that each profile belongs to a real person. Moreover, the app features a connectivity function that highlights mutual contacts, enhancing trust among users. Long emphasizes that the app's tagline, “friend of a friend of a friend,” reflects the importance of social verification in matchmaking.
Building the Team
Surf Dating's team consists of eight members, including CTO Aleksander Dincic and COO Drew Nations, working remotely from various locations across the U.S. The company has made significant strides, achieving over 13,000 downloads and active users in 48 states.
Surf Dating uses a grid format, as opposed to the popular “swiping” format.
Funding and Future Growth
Having secured approximately 75% of the targeted capital, Long aims to use the funds primarily for marketing initiatives, including promotional events and partnerships with influencers. The app offers both a free version and a premium plan at $4.99 per week, providing users with access to additional features.
Local Impact
Long's commitment to Surf Dating is fueled by local success stories, including a couple from Richmond who met on the app and are now engaged. This connection to the community is a driving force behind Long's passion for the project, even amidst his various business interests.
Stay tuned as Surf Dating continues to evolve and make waves in the dating app landscape!
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