What is WeMetIRL and how is it different from dating apps?

WeMetIRL is a company that hosts in-person dating events, offering an alternative to the endless swiping on dating apps. The events feature a diverse range of attendees and activities like shuffleboard and indoor rock climbing, providing a more engaging and community-focused experience.

How has Felicia Singh's experience been with WeMetIRL's events?

Felicia Singh, a 36-year-old New Yorker, has found the WeMetIRL events to be a much-needed boost of self-assurance, even though she hasn't yet met a romantic partner through them. She appreciates the opportunity to make new connections and friends in a fun, inclusive environment.

What is the founder of WeMetIRL, Maxine Williams, trying to achieve with the company?

Maxine Williams founded WeMetIRL in 2022 to address the post-pandemic swiping fatigue she and her friends were experiencing on dating apps. She is committed to creating diverse and engaging in-person events that provide an alternative to the traditional online dating experience.

Home / Lifestyle / Singles Ditch Dating Apps for In-Person Meetups: A New Wave of Startups Offers Diverse Events

Singles Ditch Dating Apps for In-Person Meetups: A New Wave of Startups Offers Diverse Events

31 Oct

•

Summary

36-year-old New Yorker Felicia Singh tired of swiping on dating apps
Attended in-person events hosted by WeMetIRL, found community and self-assurance
WeMetIRL founder Maxine Williams created company to address post-pandemic swiping fatigue

Singles Ditch Dating Apps for In-Person Meetups: A New Wave of Startups Offers Diverse Events

As of October 2025, 36-year-old New Yorker Felicia Singh has grown tired of the endless swiping on dating apps. She tells PEOPLE that no matter how innovative the apps claim to be, she rarely finds a good match through them.

Singh, who works in policy advocacy, estimates she only goes on an online date every few months and sometimes finds herself "not actually paying attention" during the mindless scrolling.

Seeking an alternative, Singh stumbled upon WeMetIRL, a company that hosts in-person dating events. She was immediately struck by the diversity of people featured in the company's photos and decided to attend an event in Brooklyn this past May. While the first event she went to was attended mostly by women, Singh says the night offered a much-needed boost of self-assurance.