Silicon Valley Veteran Mike Sherrill Invests in SPARK

SPARK, a Singapore-based dating startup, has secured investment from Mike Sherrill, co-founder of Machine Zone and creator of the hit mobile game Game of War. The funding comes as the company expands its operations across Southeast Asia.

SPARK differentiates itself from traditional dating apps by focusing on converting online matches into real-world meetings. Instead of emphasizing endless swiping, the platform offers users curated, bookable offline experiences such as restaurant reservations, rooftop events, wellness activities, and social gatherings. According to internal data, approximately 65% of users have moved from a match to an actual real-life date.

The company reports strong early traction in Thailand, where it has onboarded 3,500 users. According to internal data, approximately 65% of users have moved from a match to an actual real-life date. SPARK recently launched Version 2 of its app and added Michael Cluzel, former CEO and co-founder of restaurant reservation platform Eatigo, as co-founder.

Founder and CEO Sunny Khurana described Sherrill’s investment as validation of the company’s approach. Sherrill brings significant experience in building large-scale consumer products, having grown Game of War into a title that generated roughly $2.8 billion in revenue before Machine Zone was acquired by AppLovin.

SPARK is currently focused on growing its user base in Thailand and Singapore, with plans for broader regional expansion in Southeast Asia. The company aims to address what it sees as a major gap in the dating industry – helping people transition from digital connections to meaningful in-person interactions.