Rivet Launches U.S. Dating App Built Around Social Matching

Former Tinder and Match Group executive Taru Kapoor has launched Rivet across the United States after an earlier test in Charlotte. Global Dating Insights reports that the company raised $10.5 million in seed funding from Peak XV Partners, Shine Capital and Blume Ventures, with former Tinder and OkCupid chief executive Elie Seidman also investing and advising. Rivet divides participation into two roles. Daters seek introductions, while matchers can recommend or reject proposed pairs even if they are not looking for a relationship themselves. The platform says it first proposes pairs from preferences, interests, intentions and dating choices. Friends, other community members and Rivet’s “Elite Matchers” then weigh in before a dater decides whether to view the full profile and connect.

Rivet’s website also says profiles are verified and that the service operates in major U.S. cities. Global Dating Insights says the company tested the model in Charlotte earlier in 2026 and has run offline events where audiences judge possible chemistry. The $10.5 million funding figure and investor list come from Global Dating Insights. The public Rivet site confirms the product structure but does not publish independent performance or relationship-outcome data. Rivet is putting friends, other users and platform-designated matchers into the recommendation loop. That makes introductions feel more social than a private swipe, while also giving third parties influence over who sees whom. There is not yet independent evidence that the model improves safety, completed dates or relationships. Rivet’s descriptions of verified profiles, nationwide availability and community benefits are platform claims. Neither source reviewed provides audited user totals, completed-date rates, safety outcomes or evidence that community voting produces better relationships.