Ever wondered how the online dating landscape transformed from clunky flip phones to sophisticated matchmaking algorithms? Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Demyon, a pioneer in the online dating industry who co-founded one of the first mobile dating and chat sites in the US back in 2005. We explore his incredible journey, the evolution of his early platform, and its significant influence on what would eventually become Tinder's matching system. Scott’s story not only highlights the ingenuity required to navigate early mobile technology but also sheds light on the broader shifts in dating culture over the past two decades.

Tired of the endless swiping and superficial connections that dominate traditional dating apps? Scott introduces Swerv, his innovative solution aiming to foster genuine real-life interactions. By focusing on geographic locations and organic social hotspots, Swerv moves away from the swipe culture, offering users a chance to meet potential matches in more authentic settings. We dive into the shortcomings of conventional dating platforms, their reliance on prolonged user engagement, and how Swerv’s user-centric approach is set to revolutionize the industry by providing genuine value and reducing wasted time.

The episode also tackles the increasing challenges posed by AI bots in dating apps. Scott candidly discusses his efforts to market Swerv effectively and his search for a marketing-savvy co-founder to help amplify its reach. With a commitment to ensuring genuine in-person interactions, Swerv positions itself as an AI-proof dating network, safeguarding users against fake profiles and AI-driven scams. Tune in to hear Scott’s creative ideas and upcoming partnerships that utilize AI positively to enhance user experiences without compromising on trust and security. Discover how Scott’s passion for creating genuine connections is set to drive a much-needed change in the online dating world.

ABOUT SCOTT

Scott Demyon co-founded one of the first mobile dating & chat sites that pioneered mobile dating in the US market in early 2005. PhoneFling & PhoneShag grew rapidly, reaching 42M monthly unique page views solely from feature phone traffic. (3 years before smartphones existed). The core 2-way opt-in matching system was later demoed to Jonathan Badeen in 2009, who went on to co-found Tinder in 2012 utilizing the same algorithm.

Scott soon realized the architecture of interacting electronically was causing many negative effects to our dating culture. He created Swerv in response.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Download Swerv from App Store
• Download Swerv from Google Play
• Visit Swerv’s Website
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn