Sonder’s founders were tired of seeing dating app profiles featuring trivial opinions like enjoying pineapple on pizza. “We didn’t need user calls to realize the frustration,” stated co-founder Mehedi Hassan to TechCrunch. “It was evident to us from our own experiences.”
Their insight that dating apps can be disappointing is as common as stating you were Time Magazine’s 2006 Person of the Year, which everyone was. So, Hassan and his three friends, all in their mid-twenties, decided to build a more engaging app.
Sonder is the brainchild of four London-based founders — Mehedi Hassan, Helen Sun, Lenard Pratt, and Hannah Kin — and aims to be more like Pinterest or MySpace rather than a formal application process. Despite not having used MySpace in its heyday, it served as inspiration.
“The original idea behind dating apps was to lower barriers and make it easier for introverts to meet people,” explained co-founder Helen Sun to TechCrunch. “However, as these apps evolved, they became monotonous and led to burnout, losing their authenticity.”
Sonder profiles are creatively unstructured, allowing users to form digital collages or mood boards. Users can connect via the app or join unique in-person events Sonder organizes, such as “Speed Drawing,” “Presentation Night,” or a “Performative Male Contest.”
The app functions for both platonic and romantic connections, making its events less daunting since they’re not just about dating.
“We host regular events because familiar faces returning is a positive aspect,” Sun shared. “It’s like run clubs where you can meet people repeatedly without pressure.”
While running clubs are popular for in-person meetings, not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable running socially.
“I’m not into running,” Hassan added. “Not everyone wants run clubs… Helen loves book clubs, but I wouldn’t attend even if paid.”
Sonder isn’t the first to recognize the value of in-person meetings. Apps like Tinder have tried this with in-person experiences, but new startups can attract users seeking fresh options rather than established brands.
“We want to bring back the magic of first meetings,” Sun said. “It should be special, not feel like browsing job applications on LinkedIn.”
Current apps offer new features like Bumble’s AI dating assistant or Tinder’s AI tools analyzing camera roll photos to understand users better.
Though Sonder uses AI behind the scenes to suggest matches, analyzing profile screenshots, it avoids AI for creating profiles.
“We believe in maintaining a personal touch,” emphasized Hassan. “Despite potentially missing out on users due to profile setup friction, we value genuine effort in creating profiles as it indicates the user’s commitment to connections.”
The startup operates without funding, with its founders working part-time. Hassan hopes to secure funding to make Sonder a full-time endeavor while keeping its base in London.
“Our schedule is exhausting, balancing work with hosting events,” he reflected. “But reviewing videos of genuine smiles and interactions the next day is incredibly rewarding.”