Invite-only dating app Blush received $7 million in preliminary investment to grow its exclusive platform. Blush reinvents online dating with community events, virtual wooing, and shared local favorites. The software is only accessible in Los Angeles, but Miami, New York, Chicago, and Austin are taking early-access applications.
Matthew Alfin established Blush in October 2023 because he was interested in local locations and connecting individuals.
“I felt there was an opportunity to do something interesting in dating,” Alfin told Eltrys. I saw an opportunity to reward our users while driving them to local businesses on dates. We wanted to revive courtship and get to know someone.”
Blush allows users to send $3.50 digital roses to possible matches, which can be redeemed for gift cards to local restaurants, grocery shops, cafés, and spas. Erewhon, Alfred Coffee, and Craig’s exchange flowers in Los Angeles, where Blush is sold. Alfin believes the feature copies old-fashioned courtship, when you sent flowers to demonstrate your interest. Users match four times more when gifting flowers, according to the business.
Users must submit their favorite local coffee shop, restaurant, gym, and more after creating a Blush profile. The software uses algorithms to match users based on their favorite local areas to develop a relationship around shared interests and locales. This makes online dating more intimate and anchored in real life, says Blush.
Blush hosts private parties where users may socialize with food and music. Community events aim to curate offline experiences.
Astrologers may utilize the app’s dynamic zodiac compatibility charts to find matches.
Alfin said real-life events and turning flowers into prizes are what distinguish Blush from other dating apps.
“The ability to match on the app and see them at an event is game-changing in dating,” Alfin added. Blash connects the online and offline worlds with our mutual locations feature, in-person events, and gift cards for popular local businesses. Other dating apps increase money without compensating users, but by converting flowers into prizes at local businesses, we are modernizing this classic wooing gesture while rewarding users.”
Blush will use the funds to add features and places to the app. Its seed fundraising round featured Angellist founder Naval Ravikant, DFJ Growth founder Mark Bailey, former Greylock partner Simon Rothman, music industry manager Larry Rudolph, and others.
The business is also developing an AI dating coach to guide you through your dating adventure. It would allow users to ask and receive relationship advice.
