This startup uses AI to get you on a date — fast. Read the pitch deck it used to raise $9.2 million. (www.businessinsider.com)

Ditto, an AI-powered matchmaking service for college students, just raised $9.2 million in seed funding, signaling a new wave in the dating app landscape. Founded by UC Berkeley dropouts Allen Wang and Eric Liu, Ditto aims to foster real-world interactions by allowing users to directly communicate with an AI chatbot via text to specify their dating preferences. Each week, users receive a potential match along with a planned date, and after the date, Ditto follows up for feedback to refine future matches. This approach aims to move away from traditional swiping seen in popular apps like Tinder and Bumble, which are increasingly integrating AI features to attract users. The significance of Ditto lies in its unique pitch to Gen Z, who crave genuine, in-person connections rather than online interactions. By positioning itself as an "AI social agent," Ditto utilizes deep user data analysis—including hobbies and values—to enhance matchmaking through a sophisticated "vibe check" and simulated dating scenarios. With approximately 42,000 users across California campuses and plans for expansion, Ditto also intends to engage its audience through social events, like yacht parties. This funding will be pivotal for talent acquisition and marketing efforts, as Ditto seeks to redefine dating dynamics in a tech-savvy generation.