New Delhi: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many industries, including the dating sector, pushing businesses to re-evaluate and adapt their models. For Shalini Singh, founder of andwemet, the challenges of 2020 highlighted the need for a dating platform that went beyond superficial connections. Targeted at singles over 28, andwemet was born to provide a thoughtful, community-centered alternative in the dating space, catering to those seeking meaningful, long-term relationships.
Launching andwemet: An Alternative in the Dating World
andwemet entered the dating market as an outlier, focused on providing singles over 28 with a space for intentional connection. While most dating apps appeal to the thrill of instant matches and swipes, andwemet aimed to serve a more mature audience, creating a community where genuine connections could flourish. Competing against industry giants and established dating platforms, andwemet faced an uphill battle but stayed committed to creating a space that prioritized values over vanity.
Shalini’s vision was to build a platform that resonated with singles ready for serious relationships, people who were done with casual flings and wanted connections that aligned with their goals. While the initial response was promising, challenges emerged as andwemet had to adapt to user feedback, which reflected a desire for even more personalization and depth in the dating experience.
Pivoting in 2024: A New Approach to Community and Connection
In 2024, as the world emerged from a phase of virtual-only connections, andwemet evolved to bridge the gap between online and offline meetups. Through open dialogue with users, Shalini noticed a recurring theme: members wanted deeper, unbiased conversations that went beyond basic profiles. To address this need, andwemet launched Singles Spotlight, a unique feature in the dating world that invites singles to share their values, personalities, and stories through audio.
Singles Spotlight allows members to participate in audio interviews that highlight their core values, life experiences, and long-term relationship goals. Unlike traditional profiles that rely heavily on photos, Singles Spotlight offers a new way for singles to connect based on what truly matters. This innovative feature gives singles the chance to be heard beyond their appearance, creating connections that feel real and substantial.
How Singles Spotlight is Changing the Dating Game
Traditional dating apps focus on instant attraction through pictures and brief descriptions, but Singles Spotlight shifts the focus to authenticity and depth. Each Singles Spotlight journey begins with a one-on-one consultation where members explore their relationship goals, strengths, and personal qualities. This preparatory stage ensures members are clear on their intentions before sharing their stories, which sets the stage for meaningful interactions.
Through audio, members tell their stories to the andwemet community, attracting singles who are drawn to their personality and life values. This approach challenges the standard dating experience, proving that genuine connections can thrive when we prioritize who a person truly is over how they look.
The Future of andwemet in the Dating Landscape
With over 1,000 community members and 41 committed pairs since July 2024, andwemet has shown that there is room for an alternative approach in the dating world. Moving forward, Shalini and her team are focused on expanding Singles Spotlight and adding more features that enhance the community experience, reaffirming andwemet as a go-to platform for singles who are ready to embrace intentional dating.
Conclusion
andwemet is more than just a dating app; it’s a movement redefining what dating can be for singles over 28. Through intentional design, genuine storytelling, and a values-based approach, andwemet is reshaping the dating landscape, showing that meaningful relationships are within reach for those ready to connect beyond appearances.
