Breaking Barriers with Jonathan Ankiewicz: Exploring the Digital Battlefield of Online Dating
Staff Writer • 2024-09-14
Ankiewicz’s journey into online dating entrepreneurship is a deeply personal one, born from his own experiences. A Marine Corps veteran, Ankiewicz spoke about how his marriage collapsed as he battled PTSD. This profound life change pushed him to reflect on himself and relationships in general. "I lost my job, my home, my marriage—all of it," Ankiewicz said. "But through that darkness, I began a journey of self-discovery. When I re-entered the dating world, I noticed something profound. People were in pain, and they didn’t even know it." The Problem with Traditional Dating Apps Online dating has become a $9 billion market, dominated by platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Yet, as Ankiewicz pointed out, these apps often fail to address the underlying emotional complexities of their users. Many apps rely on superficial traits like photos or brief bios, neglecting emotional intelligence and personal growth. For Ankiewicz, that was a problem worth solving. "People swipe based on a picture, without any nuance into who the person really is," Ankiewicz said. "Start With Me is built on a different model—one that prioritizes emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Before you even get into the dating pool, we assess your level of self-discovery and emotional maturity." Ankiewicz’s approach aims to break the echo chamber created by traditional apps. By combining in-person singles events with a robust online platform, Start With Me seeks to foster meaningful connections based on emotional compatibility, not just physical attraction. A Hybrid Approach to Online and Offline Dating What sets Start With Me apart is its hybrid model. In addition to the online platform, Ankiewicz has built in opportunities for users to engage in real-life events like singles nights—allowing people to connect beyond the digital realm. "There’s a barrier to entry with Start With Me. We want to measure where you are in your self-discovery journey," Ankiewicz explained. "We also create physical spaces where people can meet and bond in real life, not just through a screen." Beyond Dating: Start With Us and Start With Them The innovation doesn't stop at dating. Ankiewicz’s long-term vision involves several spin-off products designed to support people through different phases of relationships. Start With Us will cater to couples looking to deepen their connection, while Start With Them will help parents recalibrate their relationships after having children. These platforms aim to use the same core principles of self-awareness and emotional intelligence to support relationships through all stages of life. Research-Driven and Data-Secure Perhaps one of the most ambitious aspects of Start With Me is its commitment to research. Ankiewicz’s team will be working with psychologists and behavioral scientists to gather and analyze data that can advance our understanding of love and relationships in the modern age. Using cutting-edge security protocols like homomorphic encryption, they will protect user data while contributing to valuable academic research. "We’re looking at a future where we can study the psychology of relationships in real time and evolve the platform to meet people’s needs as society changes," Ankiewicz explained. "It’s about more than just helping people find love; it’s about enhancing the quality of relationships worldwide." The Road Ahead Currently in beta, Start With Me is fine-tuning its user experience based on feedback. Ankiewicz plans to continuously roll out updates as the platform evolves. With several other apps in development and an ever-growing team of experts, the future looks promising for this innovative startup. In a world where the search for connection is increasingly digital, Start With Me stands out as a platform looking to restore emotional depth to online relationships. For those tired of superficial swiping and empty conversations, Ankiewicz’s venture offers a refreshing, introspective approach to love. As Ankiewicz concluded in the podcast, "Why wait for someone else to build the future of dating? I’ve got the tools. I’ll build it myself." Connect with Start With Me Visit StartWithMe.co to learn more and sign up for the web version. The app will be available soon on both the App Store and Google Play. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
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