In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Kara Zervides, Co-Founder and CEO of the Humpday App. Kara shares her unique journey from physiotherapist to tech entrepreneur, discussing how her passion for problem-solving led her to create a dating app aimed at addressing the challenges of modern dating. With Humpday, Kara seeks to combat the loneliness and dissatisfaction that many users experience with traditional dating apps by encouraging more offline connections. Kara reflects on her personal transition from her previous career to the startup world, emphasising the pivotal moment she joined Antler’s accelerator, which solidified her decision to pursue Humpday full-time.
Humpday stands out in the crowded dating app market by focusing on scarcity, compatibility, and real-world interactions. Unlike other dating apps that keep users swiping endlessly, Humpday offers a curated match once a week, designed to foster genuine relationships. Kara highlights how the app is built to counter the effects of dating app fatigue, particularly among millennials who are often left feeling dissatisfied by their online experiences. Humpday bridges the gap between online and offline interactions, hosting events where users can meet in person, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the app.
The app’s innovative business model combines revenue from event-based income with affiliate partnerships, offering long-term value to both users and venues. Kara explains how these offline events not only generate revenue but also serve as a powerful marketing tool, driving community growth through word-of-mouth referrals. As Humpday matures, the company aims to scale internationally with a city-by-city approach, targeting expansion into markets like the US by FY26. Their goal is to become a subscription-based model for sustainable growth while maintaining their core mission of fostering real-world connections.
Throughout the episode, Kara discusses her experience as a non-technical founder and the challenges she faced building Humpday. She relied on a reputable design agency and leaned on her network to navigate the tech world, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced founders and surrounding herself with knowledgeable people. She also shares valuable lessons from the early stages of the business, such as the need for careful planning and aligning short-term and long-term goals. By staying focused, testing ideas methodically, and continuously learning from early mistakes, Kara and her team have been able to optimise Humpday’s growth strategy and build a thriving community.
Topics Covered
- Kara’s Journey from Physiotherapy to Tech Entrepreneurship
- Humpday’s Mission and Vision
- Acceptance into Antler Accelerator
- Unique Features of Humpday App
- Challenges and Learnings as a Non-Technical Founder
- Humpday’s Business Model and Revenue Generation
- Growth Strategies and Community Building
- Key Lessons on Startup Growth
Important Time Stamps
- From Physio to Founder: Kara Zervides’ Startup Journey (0:07 – 3:38)
- No More Swiping: How Humpday Changes the Dating Game (3:39 – 6:33)
- Bridging the Online-Offline Gap: Humpday’s Mission to End Loneliness (6:34 – 9:36)
- Humpday’s Unique Monetisation Strategy: Connecting Love and Local Venues (9:37 – 13:24)
- How Kara Zervides Navigated the Startup World as a Non-Tech Founder (13:25 – 18:50)
- From MVP to Scale: Kara Zervides on Making Smart Development Choices (18:52 – 22:18)
- Pivot Smart: How Humpday App Learned to Prioritise Growth (22:19 – 28:25)
- More Than a Dating App: Humpday’s Vision for Changing the Game Worldwide (28:26 – 30:36)
