Mani Kular, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from the vibrant city of Derry/Londonderry, has been making headlines with his revolutionary same-day Dating App, ToDate. As he brings his innovative platform into the fold of the Ethnic Minority Business Network - EMEEN, Kular's journey serves as an inspiring example of a Derry-based entrepreneur who has achieved success on the bustling streets of London. ToDate was born out of Mani's personal frustration with traditional dating apps during his frequent business trips to London. Tired of endless and often fruitless conversations, he envisioned a dating app that would streamline the process, focusing on facilitating real-world connections through shared activities. Thus, ToDate was conceived to redefine the dating experience.
"Derry holds a special place in my heart, shaping who I am today. Bringing ToDate to the island of Ireland is my heartfelt mission—a way to contribute to the community that has given my family and me so much." - Mani Kular
One of the key differentiators of ToDate is its unwavering commitment to user safety. With stringent measures in place, including ID verification and facial recognition technology, ToDate effectively combats bot attacks and ensures a secure environment for its users. In less than two minutes, 95% of users can verify their profiles, setting them on a path to meaningful connections.
ToDate's unique approach centers around activity-based matching, eliminating the awkwardness of initial interactions found on other platforms. Users choose a three-hour timeframe that suits them best and are presented with potential matches who share both their availability and at least one common activity. This approach fosters genuine connections and makes planning that first date a breeze.
Since its beta testing phase in November, ToDate officially launched in London this January. Mani Kular, along with his Co-Founder Nick Purewal, has been actively engaged as entrepreneurs-in-residence at Marcho Partners hedge fund in London. Their meticulous approach to funding options led them to join the SEIS/EIS scheme, a government-backed initiative that offers a 50% tax rebate on initial investments—a valuable resource for startups.
"Joining EMEEN is a proud moment. Together, we'll amplify diverse voices and celebrate entrepreneurship within ethnic minority communities." - Mani Kular
KularDespite his ventures outside Derry, Mani remains deeply connected to his roots. His family's multi-generational journey from India to Derry has enriched the city's culture, and he proudly calls it home. Mani recognizes the untapped talent within Derry and is passionate about promoting it on a broader stage. He points to the remarkable impact of "Derry Girls" as evidence of the city's potential for producing success stories. As ToDate takes its place in the Ethnic Minority Business Network (EMEEN), Derry has another reason to celebrate its rising entrepreneurs. ToDate's innovative approach to dating aligns with EMEEN's mission to support and showcase ethnic minority businesses. Moreover, EMEEN will play a pivotal role in ToDate's upcoming crowdfunding campaign from late October, providing invaluable support as this Derry-born enterprise continues to make waves in London and beyond.
"Backing ToDate and Mani, EMB Network demonstrates our unwavering dedication to championing diverse entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and fostering success for the growth of our local economy." - Steve Lazars, Director EMB Network - EMEEN
With Mani Kular at the helm, ToDate's journey is one that inspires hope and highlights the incredible potential that exists within Derry's business community.