Sitch, a groundbreaking dating app, is redefining online dating by combining AI technology with human matchmaking expertise. Launched in New York City in November 2024, Sitch aims to address swipe fatigue and deliver meaningful connections through a thoughtful, data-driven approach.
Key Features of Sitch’s AI-Powered Matchmaking
No Swiping, Just Matches: Unlike traditional apps like Tinder and Bumble, Sitch eliminates swiping, offering 3-5 curated "setups" weekly based on compatibility.
In-Depth Onboarding: Users answer nearly 50 questions (via text or voice) about their values, preferences, and goals, enabling the AI to create highly personalized profiles.
AI Matchmaker Chatbot: Built using OpenAI and trained on co-founder Nandini Mullaji’s real-life matchmaking experience, the AI mimics a human matchmaker, analyzing over 75 parameters to suggest compatible matches.
Voice-Based Features: Sitch introduced voice-based onboarding in April 2025, with plans to expand voice AI for post-date feedback, creating a more human-like experience.
Group Chat Introductions: When both users opt-in, the AI introduces them in a group chat, fostering warm, intentional connections.
Feedback-Driven Personalization: Users can provide feedback before and after dates, refining the AI’s matchmaking through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF).
Manual Profile Verification: Sitch manually reviews profiles to ensure quality and safety, reducing risks like catfishing.
Pricing and Business Model
Sitch operates on a pay-per-match model, aligning incentives with successful outcomes:
3 setups: $89.99
5 setups: $124.99
8 setups: $159.99
If a match results in ghosting, Sitch offers a refund, ensuring accountability. This upfront pricing model eliminates the gamification tactics common in freemium apps, focusing on quality over quantity.
Why Sitch Stands Out
Human Expertise Meets AI: Co-founder Nandini Mullaji, inspired by her grandmother’s matchmaking legacy and her own experience (including Bumble’s India launch), trained Sitch’s AI to replicate her intuitive approach.
Addressing Swipe Fatigue: With dating app giants like Tinder and Bumble facing slowdowns in 2024, Sitch caters to users seeking serious, long-term relationships.
Privacy and Trust: Users share detailed personal data confidently, knowing it’s not publicly displayed, fostering open feedback for better matches.
Democratizing Matchmaking: By scaling human-like matchmaking via AI, Sitch makes personalized dating accessible to those who can’t afford traditional matchmakers (costing thousands).
Funding and Expansion
Sitch has raised $7 million in total funding, including:
$2 million pre-seed (April 2025, led by A16z Speedrun, with angel investors like Jeremy Liew).
$5 million seed (from M13 and A16z Speedrun).
Currently invite-only in New York with ~10,000 users and $600K ARR (April 2025), Sitch plans to expand to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., by mid-2025, admitting users from waitlists once cities reach 2,000-4,000 applicants.
Challenges and Competition
Sitch faces a competitive landscape with giants like Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr integrating AI into their platforms. Additionally, user skepticism about AI in dating and concerns about founders’ past business practices (e.g., Mullaji’s husband’s startup controversy) may pose trust issues. Educating users to shift from swipe culture to a high-intent, pay-per-match model remains a hurdle.
How to Provide Post-Date Feedback on Sitch
After a Setup: Use the app to access the group chat with your match and the AI matchmaker.
Share Feedback: Provide input via text or voice, detailing your experience (e.g., compatibility, conversation, or date outcome).
Refine Matches: Feedback helps the AI fine-tune future setups, improving personalization.
Report Issues: If ghosted, contact Sitch for a refund through the app or website (https://download.joinsitch.com).
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