As social isolation continues to affect millions, a new wave of startups is turning to technology to help people forge real-world friendships. Companies such as Real Roots, 222, and Timeleft are capitalizing on a growing demand for in-person connection by using personality-based matching to organize group meetups. These platforms have rapidly expanded in recent years, collectively generating millions in annual revenue.

The origins of this trend can be traced to the loneliness epidemic that has intensified in part due to increased digital interaction and pandemic-related restrictions. A 2024 study by Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project found that nearly 67% of adults experience social-emotional loneliness, with 45% saying they struggle to form close friendships. The startups aim to bridge this gap by facilitating offline social activities through curated encounters.

Users of these friendship apps typically complete detailed surveys about their interests, values, and personality traits—including questions about humor, political openness, and preferred social settings. Match algorithms then group individuals of similar or complementary characteristics and schedule activities at predetermined locations, such as restaurants, hikes, or workshops. Participants pay for the service and simply show up, eliminating the need for extensive online messaging or logistical arrangements.

One user, Alexandra Pitzer, a 33-year-old military spouse who relocated from Nashville to Honolulu, spent $290 to participate in Real Roots’ women-only group events. She described forming lasting bonds with participants through consistent meetups like camping trips and beach outings. “We have a genuine connection,” she said.

Similarly, 25-year-old Sylvia Le, a marketing professional new to New York City, paid about $170 to join a 222-organized mountain day trip, which included transportation, hiking, and lunch. Le acknowledged occasional social awkwardness in such settings but said the shared activity made interactions feel more organic.

222 was founded by college students Arman Roshannai, Keyan Kazemian, and Danial Hashemi, who initially researched social compatibility as an academic project following the pandemic’s onset. With a $1,000 grant from the University of California, Irvine, they began testing personality surveys to predict friendship potential. The effort evolved from virtual meetups to backyard dinners before launching as a commercial app in 2023. Today, the company employs 27 staff members, operates in 21 cities, and hosts a daily event on average. Subscriptions cost $22 monthly, plus fees for activities.

Real Roots, which emerged from cofounder Dorothy Li’s personal search for friends after moving to San Francisco, launched its app in 2024 and serves women in 120 cities. It arranges a variety of group activities, from bowling to scavenger hunts. Timeleft, founded by Max Barbier, launched in 2023 as a platform to organize dinners with strangers and is now available in over 200 cities.

Tinder has also incorporated a “Group Hangout” feature to support offline gatherings, highlighting a broader industry response to the desire for in-person connection.

As these companies scale, they reflect a cultural shift: many people are seeking meaningful social ties beyond digital spaces, using technology as a facilitator rather than a barrier.