Interview: Brian Ellner – Feeld’s New Board Member

Feeld, the dating app for the curious, has expanded its Board with the appointment of Brian Ellner. Global Dating Insights spoke with the experienced leader about his perspective on Feeld’s mission and important trends in LGBTQ+ dating.

Brian Ellner, who has extensive experience in strategic communications and campaigning, has joined Feeld’s Board. He currently serves as President of One Strategy Group, a corporate strategy firm that advises leaders on communications & market positioning.

In his new advisory role, Ellner will be focusing on “growth opportunities for the app in key markets” and to “amplify Feeld’s position as the foremost platform for those seeking genuine connections and meaningful experiences”, the dating app shared.

Sean Nolan, Senior Reporter at Global Dating Insights, spoke with Brian about his new role:

Sean: Hi Brian, can you tell us about your appointment to Feeld’s board? Why did this opportunity to get involved in online dating appeal to you?

Brian: I’m thrilled to have been invited to join Feeld’s Board and can’t wait to contribute to conversations that challenge social norms surrounding sexuality and human connections. One of my professional goals has been to create or be part of places that promote inclusion, and Feeld is doing exactly that. 

It started off ahead of its time in embracing nonconformity and empowering people to be themselves. Today, its commitment to providing visibility and creating safer spaces for everyone is more important than ever. Feeld’s mission aligns with my own passion and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ equality, and I’m excited to contribute to the company’s remarkable growth.

Sean: How do you define Feeld’s mission and how does it relate to its vision for the future?

Brian: Feeld’s mission centers on creating a deeper connection to oneself and others as part of a bigger vision to create a more inclusive future. What would it feel like to live in a world where we are all more intimately attuned to ourselves through our relationships with others? That’s certainly a world I would love to see.

Sean: What are some key trends you’ve recognised in LGBTQ+ dating? What is your vision for the future of online dating?

Brian: The rules in dating have completely evolved, and so have people. We are seeing an enormous shift in how many people think about sex, relationships, and partnerships. Through Feeld’s consistent and significant growth in recent years, we know that people have an increasing appetite for open-minded relationships that prioritize personal growth over a ‘final destination’. 

Being open-minded goes hand in hand with personal growth. In building a platform through that lens, Feeld has become a judgment-free safe haven for its Members. I am so excited to be part of this amazing team and help further Feeld’s work in empowering people’s freedom to be.

In addition to his experience in strategic communications, Ellner has a history of campaigning on important issues. This includes a significant role in the successful marriage equality campaign in New York in 2011. 

“Feeld started off ahead of its time in embracing nonconformity and empowering people to be themselves. Today, its commitment to providing visibility and creating safer spaces for everyone is more than important than ever”, Ellner shared.

“Feeld’ mission aligns with my own passion and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ equality, and I’m excited to contribute to the company’s remarkable growth”, he added.

Its noted that Ellner was impressed with CEO Ana Kirova and the dating app’s triple-digit growth since her appointment in 2021. To find out more about Ana Kirova and Feeld’s rebranding, listen to GDI’s podcast discussion with her from November 2023.

“Leading with inclusivity in mind is what makes Feeld who we are. That’s especially why I’m excited to partner with someone like Brian, who is a true champion for individuality and belonging”, Ana Kirova shared.

Feeld is a dating app designed for those open to experience people and relationships in new ways, providing over 20 sexuality and gender options in-app and counting. Find out more about the platform here.