For some time, romance has been just a swipe away. But finding platonic buddies for an impromptu drink can be more difficult.
Cliq, a Chicago-based startup, wants to help. The company’s app, which launched here in November, works like a matchmaker for groups of friends, then suggests real-life outings. The company announced Thursday it had raised $710,000 in angel funding to add another developer to its four-person team and build new features into the app.
Individuals need at least one friend to connect with other groups in Cliq. Users scroll through profiles of groups of friends that show photos, ages and educational or job information for each member. Then the app suggests ways to meet, from a drink at a specific bar to an outing at a beer festival or concert.
Founder Nick Wieczorek said the app encourages users to get out and meet people they’re matching with. He said the app has “tens of thousands” of regular users, but wouldn’t give a specific number.
“We just feel the kind of sea change of people willing to use technology to actually get together in person, to actually go out,” he said.
Wieczorek says Cliq wasn’t created to be a dating app, but as a way to widen a social circle and find outings. He said the updated app will let users sort groups using more filters, including by gender or location.
Cliq isn’t the only app trying to capitalize on forging friendships. Dating app Bumble recently launched “BFF” to connect users with potential friends of the same gender. Another app, Wiith, connects potential friends for activities.
Wieczorek said the startup is considering a revenue model that would have venues or events pay Cliq, which is free for users, for filling empty seats.
“There’s a ton of excess inventory in the offline experience market overall; we have a lot of people who are spontaneously doing things,” he said. “So it’s a really good way to make money in the future.”
Nate and Carey Cooper, co-founders of healthy fast-casual restaurant chain Lyfe Kitchen, are family friends of Wieczorek and invested in Cliq’s angel round. Cooper said he’s discussed the possibility of using the service to get Cliq users into Lyfe’s restaurants.
“They’ve got a small team, they’ve gotten a lot done with not a ton of money,” Nate said. “They’ve seen some really good growth.”
mgraham@tribpub.com
Twitter @megancgraham
