Playdate, a UK-based dating platform for single parents, has received £250,000 in funds after closing its first external investment round. The funds will go towards a larger team, further tech development, and growing the platform’s digital marketing efforts.
The platform, founded by single mother Nevine Coutry, looks to support single parents as they search for others in a similar situation.
The app, which launched in 2021, offers a wide range of unique solutions for single parents. Users can find childcare providers within the app, in partnership with the UK’s biggest nanny and sitter platform. It also allows users to appear invisible to ex-partners on the site.
“I’m delighted with the success that we have enjoyed during the first year of Playdate and can not wait to build on this, expand the app, and help many more single parents find love”, said Coutry.
“When I first started to develop Playdate the world was going into lockdown and when we actually launched there were still many restrictions around meeting. Despite these obstacles, Playdate has flourished which is only testament to the fact that there is a huge audience for the app. This untapped potential coupled with the organic growth over the past year is what has really driven this new investment”, she explained.
Ankh Impact Ventures is the VC participating in Playdate’s investment round, and CEO Pierre Rolin explained why they got involved with the dating app:
“Playdate’s mission is aligned with our focus on social impact and building an inclusive digital economy. By fostering new relationships and family units, Playdate will improve children’s mental wellness and happiness and bring financial security to more families”, he said.
The app’s research found that there are currently 2.9 million single parents in the UK and 320 million worldwide.