It all started with a frustration: modern dating apps felt like a high-speed treadmill: fast, exhausting, and often leading nowhere. People are swiping, ghosting, and burning out. Is this really the best way to find meaningful connections?

Like any good relationship, the idea for Tender began with listening. Through conversations, surveys, interviews, and deep dives into research papers about dating app behaviour and psychology, one thing became clear: people don't just need another app. They need a different experience, one that prioritises emotional well-being, intentional discovery, and real human connection.