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DATETIX (ASX:DTX) is the new matchmaking app taking on Tinder, and it is proving popular with the service surpassing Tinder downloads in Hong Kong.
The android app, launched in Hong Kong on February 5, has outshone Tinder on the iOS download charts, according to Annie App data, and has grown by 295 per cent month-on-month across all platforms with around 10,000 downloads.
The app also has achieved 664 per cent month-on-month growth in monthly active members, boosting the platform's active membership total to 3400 this month.
DateTix founder and CEO Michael Ye (pictured) says the new app differentiates from traditional online dating services because it has a real focus on face-to-face interactions.
"I was pretty frustrated with all of these different dating apps on the market that actually made it difficult to meet people," says Ye.
"On Tinder it is very easy to connect with lots of people but most of the people on Tinder are just there for chatting, and it is hard to tell who is actually interested in heading out to meet you in person.
"If you are just wanting to do online chatting then you still use Tinder, but if you are up for meeting people in your life, then DateTix is the app for you.
"In the age of mobile internet with GPS location, the whole on-demand economy means the timing is right to create an app that connects people who are nearby each other and available to meet at the same time."
Although the company is based in Hong Kong, it listed on the Australian Securities Exchange last November.
"The ASX is a great opportunity for young startups to really explore financing opportunities," says Ye.
"Compared to the Hong Kong or the US, which are much stricter and you have to be a much bigger company, the ASX is much more flexible in allowing young companies to use it as a vehicle to raise finances."
With the iOS and android apps now released and generating strong momentum, the company aims to build user density in the Hong Kong market before expanding to Singapore, China and Australia.
"We look forward to continuing to accelerate user growth on the DateTix platform, and building the world's largest online marketplace for dates," says Ye.
"I definitely think Australians will love it because the need to date and meet people is universal."
DateTix shares are currently sitting at just below 50c.
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