The GDI & Social Discovery Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Mark on the state of current online dating and matchmaking market and his thoughts on Social Discovery and what might happen in the future. As the only agency-consultancy to focus entirely on this market, we ask Mark what his advice would be to startups looking to launch their brand. We also talk about maintaining a healthy worklife balance, staying ahead of industry...

In this episode, David talks about his business and what makes it different to other brands in the online dating and matchmaking market. He also shares his thoughts on how the industry has developed since he was been involved, as well as what he thinks the next 12 months has in store. We also talk about Inner Circle's plans and what it is currrently working on, especially when safeguarding its use...

GDI Founder Simon Corbett catches up with Gareth about the dating brand and talks about current updates at the company, what changes he has seen within the online dating industry since being with Gaydar and how it is helping to keep its users safe from scammers.

GDI Founder Simon Corbett talks to Olga about PURE APP, the background behind launching it and any current updates and projects which the team are working on. The pair talk about the last 12 months, with Olga assessing the current market's landscape and what 2025 might have in store for the global online dating and matchmaking industry.

In this episode, GDI founder Simon Corbett speaks to Jamie Johnston, Mattr's CEO and Founder. Jamie introduces his brand, which is described as the first neurodivergent-friendly dating app, and talks more about its role within the online dating and matchmaking market. We hear about what led him to get involved in the industry and he talks about the company's in real life (IRL) events coming up and...

In this episode, Mitch and Sam introduce us to their dating app Hatched and give a background into how the business was set up. The pair go into detail about the geographies they are based in and give a current update on what Hatched is up to now. We hear their journeys getting into the online dating industry, their assessment of the current landscape and its challenges, as well as where they thin...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Emily Lyons, CEO & Co-Founder; and Anthony Lacavera, Co-Founder, of Pairus. They discuss how Pairus' approach to dynamic matchmaking with a personal touch is set to address common challenges faced by online daters. Emily and Anthony also explain why infusing AI into the world of dating can open up exciting opportunities for innova...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Öykü Saran & Eric Phillips Waldstein, Co-Founders of Beyond. They discuss how Beyond supports the modern dating experience, focusing on key values of honesty, intentionality, and consent. Öykü and Eric also discuss the company's upcoming plans to expand its userbase, raise investment, and create even more opportunities for meaning...

On this episode of the Social Discovery podcast, we’re delighted to be joined by Olivia DeRamus, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Communia. She tells us about how Communia is turning social media into social self-care. Olivia also shares more about their plans for 2024, their fundraising journey, and about the platform's emphasis on a safe digital experience.

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Brownie Marie, Founder of Fox Hunters Club. She outlines the origins of the newly-launched Fox Hunters Club, discussing its target demographic and what makes it unique. Brownie Marie also shares her experience as a startup founder in the dating industry, highlighting the challenges and decisions she's encountered so far.

On this episode of the Social Discovery podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Adrian Rubio, Chief Executive Officer of Bottled. He tells us about how Bottled allows its users to make new friends from all over the world. Adrian also shares more about their fundraising journey, their plans for 2024, and how anonymity enhances the user experience on Bottled.

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Hari Gopal, Creator of dating app Hearts. He explains the value of the platform's pay-per-match model, and how this unique system can disrupt the online dating industry. Hari also shares his advice for other entrepreneurs in the dating industry and his priorities for 2024.

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Genevieve LeJeune, Founder & CEO at Skirt Club. She explains how Skirt Club provides a safe space for bisexual and bicurious women to explore their desires, away from societal prejudice and expectations. In addition to its IRL events, Genevieve also shares how the company is developing an online platform to facilitate meaningful c...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Jillian Romero Chaves, CEO & Founder of Clara for Daters. She highlights the value of a platform that can support users after their match on a dating app. Clara for Daters is a digital logbook where daters can track their dating journey for self-reflection and accountability. Jillian also tells Senior Reporter Sean Nolan about how...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Helen Virt, Chief Business Development Officer at Taimi & Hily. She gives her perspective on how to stay agile in the ever-evolving industry of online dating. Helen highlights the major changes she's observed, and the upcoming trends she's keeping an eye on.

On this episode of the Social Discovery podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Miri Buckland, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Landing. She explains how Landing allows its Gen Z users to express themselves creatively, and how collective inspiration on the platform facilitates social connections in a unique way. Miri also shares more about their fundraising journey, Landing's origins and...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Cindy Lim, Head of Brand at Yuzu. This new Match Group platform fosters dating & social connections among the Asian community. Cindy explains the origins of the app, and highlights features that will resonate with this target demographic. She also shares how the platform is raising awareness in its early stages, working with relev...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Dare Olatoye, CEO & Co-Founder; and Ayo Olatoye, CMO & Co-Founder, of Trueflutter. They discuss the origins and unique features of Trueflutter, a dating app which looks to serve singles in Africa and in the global African diaspora. The brothers also highlight the changing trends and preferences among African singles, and the platf...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Dieter Hecht, Founder & CEO of Luvabuzza. He explains how the dating platform harnesses the power of Bluetooth-Low-Energy technology to create an innovative new way for people to meet in almost any location. Dieter also tells Senior Reporter Sean Nolan about how the Covid-19 pandemic inspired him to create the dating platform, and...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Alexandra Prus, CEO & Co-Founder of HeartLoop. She explains how HeartLoop provides a support network for heartbroken people, and her perspective on how the online dating industry can support the post-breakup healing journey. Alexandra also shares how the community has evolved, and the new HeartLoop features being developed.

On this episode of the Social Discovery Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Maddie Mullock & Harry Hall, Co-Founders of Buddee. They explain how activity-focused social discovery can help create meaningful 1-to-1 connections, helping people to explore their interests with others. Maddie & Harry also share more about their fundraising journey, the origins of Buddee, and their plans for 2024.

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to welcome Jamie Johnston, CEO & Co-Founder of Mattr. He explains how the platform is inclusive of neurodivergent individuals & those with mental health issues, sharing how Mattr's platform and brand allow every dater to truly be themselves. Johnston also tells GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan about the platform's fundraising journey, it's growth...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Allie Hoffman, Creator of 'the feels'. She shares how these IRL experiences help to foster a deeper level of connection between its participants, providing a unique alternative to other dating events. Allie tells Senior Reporter Sean Nolan about the origins of 'the feels', the negative forces within online dating, and her advice f...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Kathy O'Connell, CEO of Radiant Abilities. She explains what the online dating industry can do to become more inclusive, looking at areas like marketing & product design. Kathy also shares her advice for how people with disabilities can find greater confidence when dating.

On this episode of The Social Discovery Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Nicola Gunby, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at CLIQ. She explains why the CLIQ platform plays an important role in bringing together like-minded individuals and forming interest-based communities. Unlike other social apps, CLIQ is designed to foster authentic in-person friendships rather than encourage superf...