Online fashion retailer founder Andy Dunn has taken on a new challenge with his startup Pie, a social app aimed at bringing people together in real life. With $11.5 million in funding, Pie has grown to 130,000 monthly active users in San Francisco and Chicago. However, the influx of users led to overcrowded events, making it difficult for guests to connect.
To solve this issue, Pie created an AI-powered quiz called Sparked Connections. The quiz predicts who people are likely to get along with at social events, dividing them into groups based on their personality traits and preferences. Before attending a “Coffee with Strangers” event, users take a short test that rates their agreements on various statements, such as willingness to pursue passions or believing in astrology.
The app then places users into group chats, allowing them to get to know each other before the event. By analyzing feedback loops and user interactions, Pie aims to refine its algorithm and better understand why people form connections with others. While some may view AI’s role in friend-making as concerning, it’s worth noting that many online platforms already utilize algorithms to facilitate social interactions – like Instagram and dating apps Bumble.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/04/andy-dunns-new-app-pie-uses-ai-to-help-you-make-friends