Thursday
Independent dating events company hosting weekly singles gatherings in 150+ cities worldwide, founded in 2018 and headquartered in London.
Company Type
private
Founded
2018
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
About Thursday
Thursday operates as a technology company focused on real-life dating events and social connections. The company's business model centers on facilitating in-person meetings rather than digital interactions, distinguishing it from traditional dating apps.
The platform's core offering is hosting weekly singles events in various cities, with approximately 75% of events held on Thursdays but some scheduled on different days of the week. These events are designed to be relaxed alternatives to traditional dating apps and speed dating.
Thursday generates revenue through event ticket sales, partnerships with venues, and premium membership services. The company also operates a host program that allows individuals to organize Thursday events in their cities, expanding its geographic reach.
History of Thursday
Thursday was founded in 2018 by George Rawlings and Matthew McNeill Love, initially launching as Honeypot Dating, a more traditional dating app where users could check into venues and see who else was around. The concept evolved based on user feedback and market observations about digital dating fatigue.
The founders recognized that many users were frustrated with endless swiping and digital messaging without real-life connections. This insight led to the pivot toward hosting actual singles events, primarily held on Thursdays, creating a unique position in the dating market.
The company rebranded as Thursday and developed its signature approach: hosting weekly singles-only events in various cities. These events are designed to be relaxed, pressure-free environments without speed dating or apps, taking place at venues filled with like-minded singles.
Thursday expanded rapidly, growing from its initial London base to operating in over 150 cities worldwide. The company diversified its event offerings beyond bars to include running clubs, gym classes, dance studios, art galleries, sports games, and other activities.
In June 2022, Thursday raised a $3.5 million Seed Round from a combination of Angels and VCs at a favorable valuation. The company began a Series A raise of $20 million to continue its US expansion, with goals to be in 20 major US cities by the end of 2022.
Brands Owned by Thursday
Thursday owns 1 brand in our database.
Thursday Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Independence allows focus on real-life events without external pressures
- +Flexibility to innovate in event formats and experiences
- +Direct control over brand identity and event quality
- +Ability to maintain focus on in-person connections
- +Strong market position in the emerging events-based dating segment
Considerations
- -Limited resources compared to larger dating conglomerates
- -Competition from traditional dating apps with larger user bases
- -Challenges in scaling physical events across multiple cities
- -Dependency on event attendance and venue partnerships
- -Need to continuously create engaging event experiences
Frequently Asked Questions About Thursday
Is Thursday owned by another company?
No, Thursday is an independent privately owned company. The platform was founded by George Rawlings and Matthew McNeill Love in 2018 and has maintained its independence without acquisition by larger dating companies or technology conglomerates.
Is Thursday publicly traded?
No, Thursday is not publicly traded. The company operates as a private entity without stock exchange listing, allowing it to maintain independence in business decisions and event planning.
When was Thursday founded?
Thursday was founded in 2018 by George Rawlings and Matthew McNeill Love, initially launching as Honeypot Dating before pivoting to its current events-focused model.
Who created Thursday?
Thursday was created by George Rawlings and Matthew McNeill Love. The founders recognized the need for real-life dating alternatives to traditional apps and developed the events-based concept.
What is Thursday's market position?
Thursday holds a unique position in the dating market as the largest IRL dating brand globally, hosting events in over 150 cities. The company focuses on facilitating real-life connections rather than digital matching, serving singles seeking in-person interactions.
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