Charlotte dating app lets friends and strangers play matchmaker
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Rivet is a "social matching" dating app in Charlotte. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
A new Charlotte dating app turns everyone into a matchmaker.
Why it matters: Many Charlotte singles say dating feels frustrating and Rivet co-founder Taru Kapoor and Rajat Sahni wanted to replace endless swiping with a more human approach to matchmaking.
The intrigue: Rivet uses what Kapoor calls "social matching," where people in your community weigh in on potential connections. The idea is that people can sometimes spot compatibility an algorithm can't.
- "For most of human history, people met because someone introduced them — a friend, a neighbor. There's something about that human instinct that technology can't replicate," said Kapoor.
Context: Rivet launched earlier this year and has already attracted thousands of users, according to Kapoor. The app is available on Apple and Google Play.
How it works: Users can sign up either as daters or matchmakers.
- Daters create profiles outlining their goals, preferences and dealbreakers. Rivet then turns that information into an introduction written more like a friend describing someone than a traditional dating profile.
- The app identifies potential matches based on mutual preferences, then asks matchmakers whether the two people would actually click.
- Daters receive a limited number of curated introductions, along with a score showing what percentage of matchmakers believe the pair would be a strong match.
- "Instead of dozens of matches, you might get just a few introductions, along with a note that says something like 92% of people think you'd hit it off," Kapoor said.
State of play: Some singles spend thousands of dollars for matchmaking services.
- On Rivet, successful matchmakers earn in-app "karma" for helping create connections. Those rewards can be used within the app or redeemed for cash.
What's next: Since the app is built around real-world connections, Rivet has expanded into hosting events.
- The company hosts Socially Matched, a live dating show where two singles interact on stage while a comedian facilitates the conversation. At the end, the audience votes on whether there's a genuine connection — mirroring the community-driven approach used in the app.
- The next Socially Matched event is at Open Tap on June 18th from 7-10pm.
- Rivet has also partnered with A 704 Party to host an event at The Puttery on June 20 from 8pm-midnight and another event with Move Wellness at The Music Yard from 10am-1pm.
- More upcoming events, including a singles brunch a singles mixer, can be found on their Instagram.