The First Customer - Matchmaking in the Age of Neural Nets with Co-Founder Eric McHugh

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview serial entrepreneur Eric McHugh once again!

Eric dives into his latest venture, dataing.io, an AI-powered matchmaking app built to challenge the typical swipe-based dating model. He shares how the Web3 space supports his builder mindset and leads to the creation of Hold On Labs, a platform that launches products focused on meaningful connection. With dating.io, the goal is to create intentional, high-quality matches using AI-generated personality tags based on users’ social media and digital activity. Unlike Tinder or Hinge, which aim to keep users engaged and swiping, dating.io focuses on helping people find lasting matches and offers a “relationship butler” that helps couples with date planning, gift ideas, and relationship support.

Eric also shares their go-to-market strategy, which focuses on building local communities by starting with Southern California colleges through campus events, partnerships, and free photography incentives. The team is currently focused on gaining users, with a goal of reaching 10,000 in Los Angeles before expanding further. Monetization is not the immediate priority, but future plans include earning a share from date bookings and offering targeted brand placements. Eric points out that AI is not just a trendy term for them; it powers the platform’s ability to understand behavior and preferences, leading to smarter and more accurate matches.

Be intrigued by Eric McHugh’s pursuit of meaningful tech, smarter matchmaking, and the vibes behind dating.io in this episode of The First Customer!



Guest Info:
dataing.io
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dataing...

Eric McHugh's LinkedIn
  / ericdouglasmchugh