Building India's First Verified LGBT Dating App

Safe. Trusted. Community-Driven.

A Non-Profit Initiative

⚠️ Important Disclaimer (1/2)

This is a concept presentation for validation and feedback.

Purpose of sharing: Seeking feedback, potential collaborators, and community input to refine this concept.

Last updated: November 2025

⚠️ Important Disclaimer (2/2)

  • This represents an idea in development, not an established company
  • All organisations and companies mentioned (NGOs, corporate partners, tech providers) are aspirational references only – no commitments or partnerships exist yet
  • Financial estimates, timelines, and projections are preliminary and subject to revision based on market validation
  • Current phase: Validating whether the need exists in the community
  • Next phase: Once need is confirmed, will validate business model, partnerships, and technical feasibility

intentionally left blank

The Problem We're Solving

Current Reality:

  • Fake profiles and catfishing widespread on existing platforms
  • No verification beyond basic photo checks
  • LGBT users face additional safety risks
  • Hookup culture meets zero accountability
  • For-profit apps prioritise engagement over safety

Personal Experience:

"I want to meet verified, genuine people – for dating or hookups. No platform provides this guarantee today."

Why This Matters Now

Market Gap:

  • 10-15 million LGBT individuals in India (conservative estimate)
  • Existing apps: Tinder, Bumble, Grindr – all for-profit, minimal verification
  • Increasing demand for safe spaces

The Trust Crisis:

  • Users trade convenience for safety
  • No accountability = harassment, ghosting, safety incidents
  • LGBT community needs more protection, not less

Our Solution: Verified Connect

Core Principle: Real verification. Real safety. Real community.

What Makes Us Different:

  1. Mandatory KYC verification (DigiLocker/Aadhaar) before profile goes live
  2. Social verification layer (LinkedIn, Facebook, Keybase/Keyoxide)
  3. Privacy-first approach – KYC stays private, user controls visibility
  4. Dual mode system:
    • Dating mode (relationship-focused, like Tinder)
    • "Right Now" mode (location-based, immediate connections)

Technical Architecture

Multi-Layer Verification:

Layer Purpose Implementation
KYC Identity verification DigiLocker API (₹20-50/user)
Photo Liveness detection Signzy/HyperVerge (₹30-100/user)
Social Additional credibility OAuth integration
Video Call Pre-meetup safety User-initiated, optional

Tech Stack: React Native/Flutter, Signal Protocol encryption, AWS India region

Safety Features

Built-In Protection:

  • ✅ Emergency panic button → sends location to trusted contacts
  • ✅ Date check-in system with "I'm home safely" confirmation
  • ✅ Granular location control (neighbourhood, not exact address)
  • ✅ Incognito browsing mode
  • ✅ Screenshot prevention for private conversations
  • ✅ Block/report with <24 hour response time
  • ✅ Clear data retention policies with easy account deletion

Privacy Architecture

What Users Control:

  • Who sees their profile (mutual friends, verified users only)
  • What information is public vs private
  • Location precision (show neighbourhood, not exact GPS)
  • When they appear online (incognito mode)

What Stays Private:

  • KYC documents (never shared or sold)
  • Exact location data
  • Private messages (end-to-end encrypted)
  • Verification history

Community-First Features

Beyond Just Dating:

  • 📅 In-app event calendar for LGBT community events
  • 🏳️‍🌈 Safe spaces directory (queer-friendly cafes, bars, coworking spaces)
  • 📚 Resource library (coming out guides, legal rights, mental health)
  • 🤝 Integration with community organisations for direct support
  • 💑 Success story showcase

Goal: Build a community hub, not just a dating app

Why Non-Profit?

The For-Profit Problem:

  • Maximise engagement → addictive design patterns
  • Growth at all costs → spam, bots, low-quality matches
  • Shareholder returns → monetise user data

Our Non-Profit Advantage:

  • Mission-driven: We succeed when users find genuine connections
  • Trust: Section 8 company status = no profit motive
  • Community ownership: Accountable to users, not investors
  • Sustainable: CSR funding, grants, ethical premium model

Go-To-Market Strategy

Phase 1: Bangalore Launch (Months 1-6)

  • Target: 1,000-2,000 verified users
  • Focus: Koramangala, Indiranagar LGBT hubs
  • Tactics: Good As You partnership, Namma Pride activation, ambassador programme

Phase 2: Chennai Expansion (Months 6-12)

  • Target: 3,000-5,000 total users
  • Partner: Orinam, Chennai Pride
  • Milestone: Prove model works across cities

Phase 3: Hyderabad & Coimbatore (Months 12-18)

  • Target: 10,000-15,000 total users and then establish Pan-India presence

User Growth Projections

Conservative Estimates:

Milestone Timeline Users Strategy
Beta Launch Month 0-3 100-200 Closed beta, community partners
Public Launch Month 3-6 1,000-2,000 Bangalore focus
City 2 Month 6-12 3,000-5,000 Chennai expansion
Multi-City Month 12-18 10,000-15,000 3-4 cities active

Engagement Target: 30-40% weekly active users, 10-15% daily active

Financial Model

Revenue Streams (Year 1-2: Grants, Year 3+: Add Earned Revenue):

  • Individual donations (₹50-500/month recurring)
  • CSR funding from tech companies (target ₹5-10 lakhs annually)
  • Foundation grants for LGBT rights & tech for good (₹10-20 lakhs)
  • Premium subscriptions (launch Year 2 after demonstrating value)

Freemium Pricing:

  • Free Forever: Unlimited messaging, basic matching, safety features
  • Premium (₹200-300/month): See who liked you, advanced filters, profile boost, travel mode
  • Target Conversion: 5-8% free-to-paid

Financial Sustainability

Year 1 Operating Costs: ₹25-47 lakhs

Category Annual Cost
Technical infrastructure ₹3-6 lakhs
Team salaries (2-3 people) ₹10-20 lakhs
Community programmes & events ₹3-5 lakhs
Legal & compliance ₹2-3 lakhs
Marketing & partnerships ₹5-10 lakhs
Contingency ₹2-3 lakhs

Break-Even Target: Year 2-3 through CSR + grants + subscriptions

Revenue Projections

With 5,000 Users (Month 12):

  • 5-8% conversion = 250-400 paying subscribers
  • Monthly revenue: ₹50,000-120,000
  • Annual revenue: ₹6-14 lakhs

With 15,000 Users (Month 18):

  • 5-8% conversion = 750-1,200 paying subscribers
  • Monthly revenue: ₹1.5-3.6 lakhs
  • Annual revenue: ₹18-43 lakhs

Combined with CSR (₹5-10L) + Grants (₹10-20L) = Sustainable operations

Regulatory Compliance

Legal Structure:

  • Section 8 company (non-profit, tax-exempt under Section 12A/80G)
  • Registered in Karnataka initially
  • DPDPA 2023 compliant from day one

Data Protection:

  • KYC data storage = data fiduciary status
  • Explicit consent frameworks
  • Data breach protocols
  • Annual audits and compliance filings

Budget: ₹2-3 lakhs annually for CA, legal, audits

Critical Success Metrics

User Acquisition:

  • Downloads, registrations, profile completion rate (target 80%)
  • Verification completion rate (target 70%)

Engagement:

  • Daily active users (target 10-15%)
  • Weekly active users (target 30-40%)
  • Match rate (target 5-10% swipes → matches)

Safety & Trust:

  • Verification adoption (target 100%)
  • Report resolution time (target <24 hours), Incident rate per 1,000 users (target <0.5%)

Risk Mitigation

Risk Mitigation Strategy
Achieving critical mass Hyperlocal launch, ambassador programme, patience
Safety incident Robust verification, fast response, insurance, victim support
Funding sustainability Diversify revenue, build reserves, lean costs, impact metrics
Regulatory compliance Engage CA/CS, digital tools, timely filings, budget allocation
Competition Differentiate on safety, nonprofit trust, community partnerships

Key Partnerships Required

Immediate (Month 1-3):

  • Good As You Bangalore (community access), Swabhava Trust (counselling integration), Bangalore Queer Film Festival (launch opportunity)

Within 6 Months:

  • LGBT-friendly CA for Section 8 registration, KYC verification provider (Signzy/HyperVerge), Tech companies with LGBT ERGs for pilot testing

Within 12 Months:

  • Corporate CSR teams (Google, Microsoft, Cisco), Mental health professionals for resource directory

Technology Development Priorities

MVP Features (Month 0-6):

  1. User registration & KYC verification
  2. Profile creation with privacy controls
  3. Basic matching algorithm (distance + preferences)
  4. Messaging with end-to-end encryption
  5. Safety features (panic button, block/report)

Phase 2 (Month 6-12):
6. Video call integration
7. Event calendar & safe spaces directory
8. Advanced matching algorithm
9. Premium subscription features
10. Community resource library

Team Requirements

Looking for Co-Founders/Early Team:

1. CTO / VP of Engineering

  • Mobile development expertise (React Native/Flutter), Experience with verification systems & security, Passionate about LGBT rights & safety, Equity + competitive salary

2. Community Manager

  • Deep connections in LGBT community (Bangalore), Event organising experience, Ambassador programme management

3. Product Designer

  • Experience with dating/social apps, Sensitivity to LGBT user needs

Founder Commitment

** *** (Founding Member):**

  • Background: *** (Hidden)
  • Expertise: Product strategy, AI integration, roadmap planning
  • Location: *** (Hidden)
  • Commitment: Full passion + full-time
  • Personal stake: Lived experience, genuine need for this solution

Looking for: Partners who share the vision and can complement skills

What We're Seeking

From Collaborators:

  • CTO/VP Engineering: Technical leadership, architecture decisions
  • Advisors: Legal (LGBT rights), mental health, community leaders
  • Early Team: Designers, community managers, developers

From Community:

  • Beta Testers: Help us build the right product
  • Ambassadors: Spread the word, organise meetups
  • Feedback: What features matter most to you?

..contd.

What We're Seeking

From Funders (Non-Traditional):

  • CSR Partnerships: Tech companies with LGBT ERG commitments
  • Foundation Grants: LGBT rights, tech for good, safety innovation
  • Angel Donors: Individuals who believe in the mission

Investment Ask

Seed Funding Needed: ₹25-30 lakhs

Allocation:

  • Section 8 registration & legal setup: ₹3-5 lakhs
  • MVP development (6 months): ₹8-12 lakhs
  • Initial verification infrastructure: ₹2-3 lakhs
  • Community launch events & marketing: ₹4-6 lakhs
  • First 6 months operating costs: ₹6-8 lakhs
  • Contingency: ₹2-4 lakhs

What You Get: Tax benefits (80G donations), social impact, equity in mission

Why Now?

Market Timing:

  • Post-Section 377 repeal = growing openness (2018)
  • Pride movements gaining strength across India
  • Tech adoption in LGBT community high
  • Existing apps failing on safety = opportunity

Personal Timing:

  • Founder with product expertise ready to lead
  • Clear MVP roadmap based on extensive research
  • Community partnerships identified and ready
  • Regulatory clarity under DPDPA 2023

This is the moment to build something that matters.

Success Stories We're Building Towards

Year 1:

"I met my partner through Verified Connect. Knowing they were verified made me feel safe meeting in person for the first time." – User in Bangalore

Year 2:

"Our app helped 5,000 LGBT individuals find genuine connections in a safe environment." – Impact Report

Year 3:

"Verified Connect became the gold standard for safe dating in India, expanding to 10 cities." – Media Coverage

The Bigger Vision

Beyond Dating:

  • Create India's largest verified LGBT community platform
  • Safe space for socialising, networking, finding resources
  • Integration with mental health support, legal aid
  • Event hosting, community building, advocacy

Long-term (5 years):

  • 100,000+ verified LGBT users across India
  • Partnerships with 50+ community organisations
  • Demonstrated model for "safety-first" dating apps
  • Influence industry standards for verification

Call to Action

For Potential Co-Founders:
📧 Let's talk about building this together
🤝 Equity + mission-driven work + competitive compensation

For Community Members:
🧪 Join our beta testing programme
📢 Become an ambassador in your city
💡 Share what features you need most

For Funders:
💰 CSR partnerships available
🎯 Impact-driven funding opportunity
📊 Clear metrics and accountability

Let's Build Something That Matters

Contact:
*** (Hidden)
📧 *** (Hidden)
🌐 *** (Hidden)

Next Steps:

  1. Schedule a call to discuss collaboration
  2. Sign up for beta access

Making dating safe, verified, and community-driven.

Questions?

Appendix: Competitive Analysis

Platform Verification Focus Model LGBT-Friendly?
Tinder Photo only Hookups/Dating For-profit Generic
Bumble Photo only Women-first For-profit LGBT mode
Grindr None Gay men hookups For-profit Yes
Delta Social media Gay professionals For-profit Yes
Blued Light Gay community For-profit Yes
Ours KYC + Social LGBT verified Non-profit Yes

Our Advantage: Only verified + non-profit + India-focused

Appendix: Launch Timeline

Month 0-3: Foundation

  • Section 8 registration
  • CTO/team hiring
  • MVP development start
  • Community partnerships

Month 3-6: Beta Launch

  • Closed beta (100-200 users)
  • Good As You partnership activation
  • Iterate based on feedback

Month 6-9: Public Launch

  • Bangalore public launch at Pride
  • Ambassador programme
  • Target 1,000-2,000 users

Month 9-18: Expansion

  • Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore
  • Premium features launch
  • CSR partnerships established

Appendix: Technical Architecture

Infrastructure:

  • Frontend: React Native (iOS + Android)
  • Backend: Node.js/Python, AWS India region
  • Database: PostgreSQL with encryption at rest
  • Messaging: Signal Protocol for E2EE
  • Verification: DigiLocker API, Signzy/HyperVerge
  • Hosting: AWS Mumbai/Bangalore region (data localisation)

Security:

  • End-to-end encryption for all messages
  • KYC data stored separately with strict access controls
  • Regular security audits
  • DPDPA 2023 compliant architecture

Appendix: Community Partnerships

Bangalore:

  • Good As You (weekly meetups)
  • Swabhava Trust (counselling)
  • Bangalore Queer Film Festival
  • Namma Pride organising committee

Chennai:

  • Orinam (Tamil Nadu's oldest LGBT organisation)
  • Chennai Pride
  • Nirangal Foundation

Hyderabad:

  • Swaeroes (social entrepreneurship + LGBT rights)
  • Hyderabad Pride
  • Local community groups

Coimbatore:

  • Queerbatore collective via Orinam

Thank You

Let's make dating safe, verified, and community-driven.

Together, we can build India's most trusted LGBT platform.