Dating App Cerca at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 - Gen Z Dating

The Challenges of Modern Dating

A common sentiment exists regarding the difficulties of the contemporary dating landscape, irrespective of geographical location. Nearly everyone possesses a personal anecdote and a corresponding frustration.

The Genesis of Cerca

Myles Slayton, following a banking internship in New York City, observed the struggles faced by himself and his peers in finding meaningful relationships within the city’s competitive dating environment. He shared with TechCrunch, “We are constantly connected to our mobile devices.” This led him to question the efficacy of existing dating apps.

Slayton hypothesized that the issue wasn’t inherent to dating apps themselves, but rather to their current design and functionality. He noted that many prevalent dating applications were designed with millennials as the primary demographic, while his own generation, Gen Z, engages with social interaction in a fundamentally different manner.

A Return to Traditional Methods

He explained that Gen Z’s approach to dating mirrors past practices, where individuals typically met “through shared acquaintances and within their existing social networks.”

Collaborating with Willy Conzelman and Carter Munk, Slayton launched Cerca, a dating app designed to connect individuals with others already present within their social circles. The company secured $1.6 million in seed funding this summer and has quickly gained traction, amassing approximately 60,000 users, primarily in New York and across various university campuses.

Cerca will be showcased at Startup Battlefield and demonstrated at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 in San Francisco.

Addressing Gen Z’s Concerns

Slayton, serving as the company’s CEO, attributes Gen Z’s preference for traditional dating methods to the influence of the internet and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. “A general distrust of strangers has developed,” he stated, adding that a significant fear of rejection also plays a role.

How Cerca Works

Cerca’s design directly addresses these concerns. Users establish a standard dating profile and synchronize their contact list. Subsequently, the app displays potential matches exclusively from existing friends or friends of friends already utilizing the platform. This effectively “eliminates the apprehension associated with interacting with strangers,” according to Slayton.

Furthermore, all expressions of interest are anonymous, mitigating the fear of outright rejection. To combat swiping fatigue, users are limited to four potential matches per day, encouraging more thoughtful consideration.

“The practice of rapidly reviewing hundreds of profiles in a short timeframe is discouraged,” Slayton emphasized. “Each profile deserves careful attention, as they represent real individuals.”

Prioritizing Connection Over Appearance

Profiles initially reveal shared connections, followed by background information, and finally, photographs. “Our focus extends beyond superficial appearances,” he clarified. When a user receives a like, they are notified but remain unaware of the sender’s identity.

The Cerca algorithm then elevates the profile of the individual who expressed interest within the recipient’s feed, allowing them to reciprocate if desired. Matches are revealed each evening, maintaining anonymity regarding the initial expression of interest.

Safety and Verification

Shared connections facilitate a degree of safety, enabling users to discreetly inquire about potential dates through mutual acquaintances. Users retain control over which contacts are shared with Cerca and can block specific individuals from viewing their profiles.

“Filtering options are available, allowing users to exclude terms like ‘dentist’ or ‘doctor’,” he explained. “The app also prevents screenshotting and screen recording, prioritizing user safety.”

Beyond the App

In addition to its online presence, the company is actively involved in creating branded merchandise and hosting social events.

Slayton expressed his enthusiasm for participating in Startup Battlefield, citing a previous participant’s positive experience. “We believe this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase our platform to a broad audience and present a positive perspective on modern dating,” he said.

To gain firsthand insights from Cerca and explore numerous other innovative pitches, participate in enriching workshops, and forge connections that drive business growth, visit this link to learn more about this year’s Disrupt, taking place October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.