Bethenny Frankel Launches Paid Dating App ‘The Core’
Reality-TV alum and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has unveiled a new dating service, The Core, describing it as a “society of intention” aimed at daters tired of traditional swipe-based apps. Rather than adopting the standard model of algorithmic matching, The Core operates more like a curated club: prospective users must apply and be screened before gaining membership, and ongoing involvement – rather than passive browsing – is required.
Frankel and the launch team emphasise that The Core is designed around transparency, integrity and serious intent. The platform promises connections that prioritise compatibility in key areas like values, beliefs, lifestyle and long-term goals. Its stated aim: to foster meaningful relationships by removing the typical noise and uncertainty associated with mainstream dating apps.
Membership comes with a significant entry threshold, a strategy aligned with The Core’s desire for intentionality over volume. A “connection membership,” aimed at those seeking serious relationships, begins with a fee around US$1,200. There is also a lower-bar “community membership,” starting at US$50, for those interested in access to curated content, social events, and the ability to refer acquaintances. As reported by Bloomberg, the service has so far been piloted with roughly 150 active users.
Frankel has openly criticised traditional dating apps and matchmaking services for their tendency to profit from keeping users scrolling and “stuck.” She argues that what these apps lack is a genuine framework for long-term compatibility and human connection – something The Core aims to offer instead.
Whether The Core can gain traction remains to be seen — the elevated price and selective membership model may limit adoption to a niche willing to pay for a more controlled, intentional dating experience. Still, by positioning itself as a private, values-first club rather than a mass-market app, The Core offers an intriguing experiment in the next evolution of digital dating.
