222 Aims to Recreates the ‘Meet-Cute’ Internationally
A New York-based startup is using artificial intelligence to revive the organic “meet-cute” experience that many feel has been lost in the swipe-heavy world of modern dating.
222, founded by Keyan Kazemian, Arman Roshannai, and Danial Hashemi, launched as an in-person dinner series in Los Angeles in 2021 and has since evolved into a full mobile app that facilitates both platonic and romantic connections.
Unlike traditional dating apps focused on rapid swiping, 222 emphasizes intentional, real-life interactions. Users complete a detailed personality quiz, after which the platform’s AI – trained on proprietary user feedback data – matches them with small groups for shared experiences like dinners or nights out. The goal is to recreate the spontaneity of meeting people in natural social settings without preconceived notions.
After the initial event, 222 follows up to gauge interest. If mutual attraction or friendship sparks, the app helps coordinate follow-up hangouts or dates, including making reservations. “We’re trying to get as close as possible to you walking into someplace with other people there, and connection just naturally happens,” CEO Keyan Kazemian told Business Insider. The platform charges a $22 monthly subscription and currently serves users split roughly evenly between those seeking new friends and those open to romance. Many participants are new to a city or looking to expand their social circle. 222’s AI improves over time by learning from post-event feedback—analyzing factors like conversation quality, shared interests, music taste, and hometowns – to refine future matches.
The startup recently raised an additional $10.1 million (bringing total funding to $13.7 million) and is expanding its team while building features to support ongoing relationships, such as helping users plan subsequent meetups. It also plans to deepen AI capabilities to reduce friction and increase match success rates. 222 joins a growing wave of AI-driven dating innovations. Competitors like Bumble and Tinder are testing AI assistants and personalization tools, while new entrants focus entirely on AI matchmaking.
