Manchester-based dating comparison platform queek’d has secured £30,000 investment towards its development.
Founded by Elisa Mclean in early 2016, queek’d is a free service which helps singles find long-term rather than casual relationships.
Norwegian Ingvard Busengdal has invested the money after Mclean pitched to him last year.
“Being single myself I am now so passionate about helping other singles, which definitely came across when pitching to my investor,” Mclean, who spoke at BusinessCloud’s ‘Meet the disrupters’ event last year, said.
“I was so pleased that Ingvard could see my vision and the investment will help us gain more users and allow us to plan for phase two, which I’m really excited about.”
There are 1,400 dating apps in the UK , meaning the choice for would-be Romeos and Juliets has never been greater – or more overwhelming.
Mclean hit upon the idea of using technology to advise people on the most suitable dating platform for them by asking them seven basic questions.
Her queek’d vision seems to be coming together as eHarmony, Match.com, Elite Singles and Uniform Dating have already joined the comparison site.
The business, based at NatWest’s Entrepreneurial Spark accelerator in Manchester, is now recruiting profile writers among other talent.
“It’s an exciting time for queek’d. There are a few sites that are looking to join queek’d in the next few months and we have several brand ambassadors on board who all support what we do,” added Mclean.
“The investment we have received will help us develop the product further so we can reach even more users, and hopefully direct them to love and their future partners and soul mates.
“We’ll be running some exciting competitions right through to Valentine’s Day and already have a number of exclusive sponsors onboard, including The Alchemist, Epernay Manchester, Breakout Manchester and new restaurant The Refinery.
“The investment we have received will help us prepare for crowdfunding next year to raise a large seed round. More innovation is planned for phase two launch in late 2017.”