Lumen, the first ever app-only dating platform dedicated to the over-50s, launches today in the UK. Backed by Andrey Andreev, the guy behind Badoo, Bumble and Chappy, Lumen builds on insights from existing dating services to provide a safe, welcoming, and age-appropriate dating community for more than 80 million single men and women globally aged over 50.
With 73% of those aged 50 to 59 now having a smartphone, tech entrepreneur Andrey Andreev has invested £3.5 million in the new app aimed specifically at the over-50s age group.
Lumen is headed by co-founders Antoine Argouges and Charly Lester, who both have extensive experience in the dating industry. Antoine Argouges has spent years in product development and solution-building for some of the world’s biggest dating apps, while Charly Lester is a leading dating industry expert; previously Dating Editor at the Guardian and Founder and CEO of The Dating Awards.
Commenting on the investment, Andrey said “Do a search of the phrase ‘over 50s dating’. The results that come up are embarrassing for the industry. The over-50s have been mistreated by the dating sites for years. I’m excited to see the Lumen team launching an app which finally listens to this audience and specifically targets their issues and needs.’
Lumen is a free mobile app, available on iOS and Android, tailored to the needs and habits of the over-50s. It is designed to make it as easy as possible for this age group to meet genuine, like-minded singles in a safe community.
The safety and security of Lumen’s users are a priority, and the new app goes one step further than existing platforms to ensure 100% of profiles are verified. All members are required to upload a selfie as part of the verification process, and an algorithm authenticates this against the other profile images provided.
“The majority of single over-50s we know are tech-savvy, active, and looking for their next adventure. But this isn’t the reality we see reflected in the dating industry,” says Antoine Argouges, Lumen CEO. “Lumen finally provides a contemporary solution which over-50s can rely on to meet like-mind people”.
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