Interview with Lori Cheek, founder of Cheekd.
What is your company and what is its main goal?
Cheekd reimagines online dating with an app that makes missed connections obsolete. Cheekd uses a cross-platform low energy Bluetooth technology, which fosters hyper local engagement. The app connects people in real time, versus virtual time. Connections begin in person; Cheekd helps you take the next step and continue the conversation online. Cheekd ensures you ‘Never Miss a Connection’; thanks to this new Bluetooth technology, the app works on the train; on a plane… anywhere—You’ll get a notification if someone who meets your criteria is within 30 feet of you. If you’re near a potential spark, Cheekd makes sure you know about it.
When did you start your business and why?
Based on my own online dating fatigue back in the match.com (website only) era, I was inspired to build a business which leveraged technology to help singles meet face to face…. I’ve built an app for online daters that want to make it happen in real life! I’ve sat endlessly watching singles at bars swiping through dating apps when if they just looked up, the love of their lives could be sitting right next to them. While everyone’s lost their social skills in our digital infested world, I feel as if I’ve engineered the answer for singles that rely on their smartphones for everything. We’re hoping to turn the world of online dating on it’s head with our new addition to the mix. We’re bringing IRL back with CHEEKD!
What makes you different from your competition?
Our new app sets itself apart from other apps because it gives you the option to interact with a match before starting a virtual relationship with the compatible user. It’s like online dating but in the real world.
What marketing channels do you use for your growth?
We currently use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter but really rely on our ability to get press. We’ve been covered in everything from the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc. Magazine and were even featured on ABC’s Shark Tank several years ago.
What are you expected to grow in terms of revenue in the next 12 months?
I envision our ability to attract the press will continue to be the most crucial tool, but we are rolling out events all over NYC every 2 weeks with other startups, co-promoting and making sure the attendees have both of our apps upon arrival in order to get their free drink tickets. We’re looking to team up with coffee shops and bars where when users make a connection in the venue (in the Bluetooth range), they can both come to the bar together, show evidence of getting “cheeky” and redeem their connection together for a free drink.
