The timing couldn't be better: next Monday—Valentine’s Day and a day before Single Awareness Day—three VCM alumni are launching their app UNLIKE ANY in Münster. What’s the deal with this app? Like decisions in apps like Tinder, Bumble, or OkCupid are based about 90% on the looks of other users. That might work for casual dates, but when looking for a serious relationship it means that users with an interesting personality—who might not have model‑perfect measurements—are constantly short‑changed. And even models don’t necessarily want to be reduced to their appearance.
How does UNLIKE ANY solve the problem?
UNLIKE ANY aims to tackle this issue by letting users rate individual profile elements in the feed without knowing which profile they belong to. Bottom line: you don’t rate the character just because a photo catches your eye. Based on these unbiased ratings, the app then suggests profiles where both looks and personality are a good match for you. And the exciting part: the feed’s profile elements go far beyond what you see on other apps. For example, users can send a link to friends who write a few sentences about them, and the text is automatically turned into a profile element.
How the team met
The three founders, Philipp, Maurice, and Felix, met through Venture Club Münster and decided in 2020 to start a project with social impact.
Initially, the team worked closely with the University Hospital Münster to develop a medical product that reduces loneliness among older adults. Then several researchers pointed out that the matching algorithms touted by Parship & Co don’t actually work, prompting them to pivot their model toward online dating. The chance to be among the first to build a working algorithm for one of humanity’s most fundamental needs—the desire for close social connections—was a huge motivator.
The VCM Impact
When asked what he takes away from his time at Venture Club Münster, co‑founder and CEO Felix says, “Without the Venture Club our startup probably wouldn’t exist—I met my two co‑founders through the association. Beyond that, the experience at VCM was incredibly helpful. For example, I discovered my interest in venture capital there. The hands‑on experience I gained working for three venture‑capital firms was crucial to the success of our pre‑seed financing round.”
We wish the team a great start in Münster and lots of success as they launch in the next cities.
