A lot of college students get tired of endless swiping and messaging on dating apps, and often never meet in person. Ditto uses iMessage to match people up, skipping profiles and direct messages. It sets up in-person dates and handles the details, so users just show up.
The Berkeley startup recently raised $9.2 million in seed funding, led by Peak XV Partners. Gradient, Scribble Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Llama Venture also joined in.
The funding will help Ditto expand to more campuses after growing to 42,000 users at four University of California schools.
Create something that truly helps people go on dates
Allen Wang and Eric Liu, both undergrads at Berkeley, noticed their friends spending lots of time on dating apps that focused more on keeping users engaged than on real connections. They saw the same thing in their own lives.
They started Ditto to solve these problems, aiming for results like a 20% match-to-date rate. Their goal is to cut down on toxicity, anxiety, and screen time by setting up relaxed, in-person dates through text. They also hope Ditto will help people network and make group connections, not just romantic ones.
Ditto’s AI looks at what users want, when they’re free, and where they are on campus to set up full date plans and send them by text. After each date, feedback helps improve future matches.
The platform eliminates swiping and chatting, making it easy to use via iMessage. It encourages group participation and referrals, with 25% of users joining because of recommendations. Blind curation adds excitement and helps keep things safe.
Ditto cares more about real-world results than just keeping users engaged. Unlike traditional dating apps or expensive concierge services, it offers an affordable, campus-focused, text-based option.
What’s coming up?
The new funding will help Ditto expand to more U.S. campuses, starting with 10 big yacht parties (each with 100 singles and 50 blind-date couples, co-hosted with Greek life and clubs).
In the future, Ditto plans to help people connect for jobs and friendships, not just dating, and to grow nationwide.
