Les Amis - Women's Friendship App Launches in New York

The Challenge of Adult Friendships and a New Solution

Establishing friendships as an adult can prove difficult, particularly following a relocation to a new urban center. Fortunately, contemporary technological advancements offer assistance, with an increasing number of individuals utilizing applications such as Bumble For Friends, Flox, and Timeleft to quickly cultivate new connections.

Introducing Les Amis: A Focused Approach

Among these platforms, Les Amis distinguishes itself by specifically catering to women, transgender individuals, and those identifying as LGBTQ+. The app primarily targets individuals within the 25 to 40 age range.

How Les Amis Facilitates Connections

Les Amis leverages artificial intelligence to connect users who share common interests. It also actively promotes participation in locally organized events offered through the application.

These events encompass a diverse range of activities, including pottery workshops, book discussion groups, wine tasting sessions, and Pilates classes.

The App's Origins and Founders

Anna Bilych, formerly of PayPal, conceived the app in 2022. She collaborated with Oleg Pashinin, an ex-Google AI employee, after personally experiencing the difficulties of rebuilding a social network after a move.

Expansion into the U.S. Market

Initially founded in Europe, Les Amis is now being rolled out across the United States. The app’s launch in New York City occurred earlier this month.

App Functionality and User Experience

The name "Les Amis" translates to "friends" in French. The app is designed to simplify the process of connecting with individuals who share similar passions within a user’s geographic area.

Its setup mirrors that of dating applications, requiring users to create profiles with photos, biographies, and selections from a comprehensive list of interests, such as poetry, gardening, yoga, and martial arts.

The Role of AI in Matching

An AI assistant, named “Amis,” plays a crucial role in the matching process. Every two weeks, users participate in matching rounds where the AI suggests potential friends based on shared interests.

The AI also considers life stage factors, connecting users who are single, married, parents, new to a city, or seeking professional networking opportunities.

Scheduling and Event Discovery

Matches are determined each Monday, providing users with sufficient time to communicate and arrange meetings throughout the week.

Furthermore, the app features an explore page where users can register for local events, workshops, social gatherings, and recreational activities.

Recently, “Trips” were introduced, allowing users to travel together to destinations like Morocco, Iceland, and the Amalfi Coast.

Membership and Pricing Structure

Les Amis operates on a membership-based model, with fees varying depending on the city.

For instance, a monthly membership costs $70 in New York and €55 in Amsterdam. Memberships include a credit system for experiences, usable in any city where the app is available, even while traveling.

Current Availability and Future Expansion

The app is currently available on both iOS and Android devices throughout Europe, including cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, and Stockholm.

Within the U.S., Les Amis launched in Austin last May and New York City this month. Planned expansions include Boston next, Washington, D.C. in October, and Miami, with Los Angeles also on the roadmap.

New York Launch Details

While no Les Amis events are currently scheduled in New York, they are slated to begin on August 25. The app is currently processing applications, having received over 2,000 from New York users.

App Statistics and Growth

To date, the app has accumulated approximately 120,000 installs, and around 30,000 women have participated in events. The company reports an annual revenue run rate of $1 million.