A fitness-orientated dating app founded in Perth which allows users to ‘find their fit’ is making significant gains and now continuing its expansion overseas.
With already 15 million swipes, 600,000 messages, 500,000 matches – and even two engagements – FITAFY is making a mark on fitness-focused singles.
Additionally, the app has raised more than $2.5M of seed funding*.
The app allows users to quickly find matches based on interests, hobbies and personal dietary preferences – hello vegan, keto or intermittent fasters – along with those who share similar fitness levels and goals.
Stephen Mansfield, former WAFL footballer and fitness veteran, created the app with tech professional Cem Miral after dialogue with gym buddies who were kicking fitness goals yet their love lives stood still.
“They were frustrated that existing dating apps are saturated with people who don’t share the same lifestyle values,” said Mr Mansfield.
“It’s very difficult to filter them out.”
They noted survey results that revealed that those in the fitness community found it essential for their partner to live a healthy lifestyle, with many admitting they would pay for an app that helped them find a fitness-focussed love match.
A notable hurdle for this target market, however, is time.
“Active people are busy,” explained Mr Miral.
Outside work, their hours are filled with exercise, preparing healthy meals and the many other commitments involved with active lifestyles. That leaves very little time for finding meaningful connections.
Cem Miral, cofounder
According to FITAFY, 54% of couples in 2020 met online, and they believe by using detailed features and an intuitive interface whereby users can share their favourite activities, dietary preferences and fitness levels.
Safety is incorporated into the app through the use of selfie facial recognition software.
In a first for dating apps, FITAFY also allows users to connect to fitness apps and devices, such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, Strava Google Health and Apple Health.
“It provides transparency,” said the co-founders.
“You can see at a glance how active other users are.”
The app has already taken off in the UK and is set to launch in the USA by the end of the year, fuelled by the Series A funding.
“We hope the app also encourages users of all fitness levels and preferences to share and meet their fitness goals, whatever they may be,” concluded Mr Mansfield.
Last year, Fitafy won a Startup News award for the most read article on the site in 2020.
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To give Fitafy a whirl, go to their website.
* Article updated from the original, with $2.5M raise completed (originally, read $1m)
