Online dating can be exhausting and unfruitful, but there are apps like Bumble and more that make it a seamless process. However, in most of the popular dating apps, search results could not be satisfactory, and this is where CarpeDM is aiming to create an edge. The Washington DC-based video dating and matchmaking app targets Black women and those looking to date them with headquarters in Washington, DC, and now it has raised $1M in pre-seed funding.
With the participation of Virginia Venture Partners, Conscious Venture Fund, Overlooked Ventures, Forefront Capital, Pipeline Angels, Gaingels, and CAV Angels — Elevate Capital led the round.
The money will be used by the company to increase operations and accelerate growth.
Naza Shelley and Sali Hama co-founded CarpeDM, which also does 100% member background checks in an effort to encourage openness and safety in online dating. Through its unique one-on-one interview process and its accredited background check partner, KarmaCheck, it verifies identity, employment, income, and criminal history.
How does it work?
Those who make it through the screening process will receive handpicked and algorithmically curated matches. Before choosing to stay matched and go on a real-world date, matches are required to have a 5- to 10-minute video chat to assess chemistry.
The company is currently a member of the inaugural Techstars Washington DC class. J.P. Morgan’s accelerator provides power.
What led to its inception?
Naza was a successful lawyer who had grown tired of wasting time on first dates that ended in failure by swiping through a sea of unsuitable matches. “The time-consuming nature of online dating does not cater to Black women’s needs. Therefore, we developed a dating service that prioritises our needs.”
Naza said, “I am grateful to our investors who not only believe in our mission, but also respect us as business women and see the huge market opportunity in what we’re building.”
“We sought startups with extraordinary teams that were demonstrating promising early traction in solving problems that address large markets, which describes CarpeDM perfectly. We’re delighted to have Naza and Sali in our first class!” said Techstars Managing Director, Keith Camhi.
