The newest thing in online dating: IvyDate (the Ivy League of Dating)
Many of my friends (including me) are skeptical about online dating because of A. all the riff raff out there and B. privacy; however, IvyDate fixes both of those issues. First off, IvyDate is a member’s only club that prescreens all applicants so you are connected to eligible singles ONLY. Second, it’s not a browse able database, so people can’t see that you are looking for dates online (the horror!).
IvyDate was born after the co-founders, Philipp Triebel and Beri Meric, conducted a field study while in their second year at Harvard Business School and found that there is a need for a premium dating service like IvyDate. Launched to the public in summer 2011, IvyDate has been an instant success, growing to 30,000 members to date. IvyDate’s goal is to “Connect Smart and Inspiring Singles” online and offline. I interviewed one of the co-founders, Philipp, to get the inside scoop. Read below to find out more.
How does it work?
First off, anyone can sign up, and it’s not limited to Ivy League students.
To begin, log on to the site and complete your profile. Your application is then screened by the membership committee. Although educational background is factored in, the committee looks at the entire package.
If approved, weekly matches are sent to you. Your matches are based on an algorithm that takes into account certain criteria (e.g. location, age, ethnicity and religion). Unlike many mainstream dating sites, IvyDate is not a browse able database. We found that if you are able to browse the website, you only focus on the pictures. We encourage our members to go beyond the photo and engage with other members. In addition, this feature protects the privacy of our members.
How much is it?
In order to communicate with one of your matches, you must subscribe (yes, your matches are just a tease!). They offer a 1, 3 and 6 month subscriptions for $50, $120 and $180, respectively. With the service, you receive unlimited access to the website and events.
What type of events do they have?
When you are single, you want to do things, and there is always a lot going on. Our goal is to draw the right group of people.
Since launching in summer 2011, we have done four events in New York City. Most recently, we had a Great Gatsby themed Valentine’s Day party at the Gansevoort Park Avenue and over 1,000 quality singles showed up.
How is IvyDate different?
The biggest differentiation is the quality of people. IvyDate’s community draws a certain type of person to the site and our goal is to align like-minded people who are “doing things” with their lives. Our members range the entire spectrum from artists to architects to traditional finance types. We also have a number of public figures who like everyone else have trouble finding someone. One of the draws to them (and all members) is the privacy of the site.
What cities are you in?
New York City has the biggest concentration of members. In addition, IvyDate is in DC, Boston, Philly, San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, people from all over the place sign up.
Where do you see IvyDate the next 5 years, 10 years? Long term?
We plan to make IvyDate a global platform that connects the most creative and inspirational people around the world. Fundamentally, people need to connect: personally, professionally and romantically. IvyDate focuses on the romantic connections.
Online dating has some stigma attached, what are the benefits of trying it out?
It’s a lot more efficient. Many of our members are focused on their careers and work long hours. They don’t always have time to go out and meet people in a more “traditional” way. After one has exhausted their circle of friends, it’s hard to meet people with a similar background and values. IvyDate makes attractive singles accessible to you.
Why should people join IvyDate?
You should join because IvyDate only accepts the highest quality people and focus on finding the people you would want to meet. Our motto is about quality not quantity.
What makes dating in NYC different?
NYC is a special place as there are more singles here than anywhere in the world. People tend to settle less and later in New York City, and it is culturally acceptable to do so. I lived in London for 10 years and the biggest difference is the number of people you date. In New York, it’s “normal” to go on dates with 3 to 4 people at the same time, while in London it’s the norm to meet one person and give them a chance. The culture is more one of dating and then committing.
Interview paraphrased.
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