Known is redefining the dating game with its voice AI-powered approach, and it’s catching the attention of investors. The San Francisco-based startup, founded by Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen, has raised $9.7 million from top-tier venture firms like Forerunner, NFX, Pear VC, and Coelius Capital. Their unique model focuses on in-person dates rather than the traditional swipe-based experience.
Amadon and Allen initially set out to create an app that would book restaurant dates for users. But during their testing phase, they discovered something more significant: people were eager to talk. This led them to develop a voice-powered onboarding system that allows users to share their preferences and personality through conversation rather than filling out forms. On average, users spend 26 minutes onboarding, with one user even spending over an hour and 38 minutes.
“This approach allows us to know more about users and provide better matches,” Amadon explained. “We can ask dynamic follow-ups based on the conversation, which makes the process more personal and engaging.”
Once the onboarding is complete, the AI suggests potential matches. Users can ask AI agents about those profiles, and if they like a match, they can tap “interested.” When two users are matched, they have 24 hours to accept the introduction and another 24 hours to agree on a date. This mechanism aims to reduce ghosting and encourage real-life meetings.
After their dates, users can provide feedback to the AI, which then refines future recommendations. Known also helps users pick restaurants based on their preferences and integrates with calendars to help plan first dates. During the beta phase, the app charged $30 per successful date, but the team plans to experiment with different pricing models.
The startup currently has three full-time engineers and four people working on go-to-market strategies, with several contractors supporting other areas. Amadon, who previously interned in politics, and Allen, who worked on product at the AI-powered online shopping app Phia, plan to expand their team with the new funding.
Known is currently testing in San Francisco and plans to launch early next year. The app is part of a growing trend of startups using AI to enhance the dating experience. Other companies like Overtone, founded by Hinge CEO Justin McLeod, are also exploring similar approaches. Meanwhile, established players like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are integrating AI features to keep their user base engaged.
Amadon welcomes the competition, believing it signals a shift away from the swipe-based model. “I think it shows that it’s time to move beyond swiping and focus on creating meaningful connections,” she said.
As the dating landscape continues to evolve, Known is proving that sometimes the best ideas come from listening—literally. By leveraging voice AI, the startup is not only making dating more personal but also addressing a growing issue of loneliness in the U.S. As Amadon put it, “There’ve been a million pieces written about the loneliness epidemic, and I do think it’s our generation’s largest problem.”
