Rizz

How Roman Khaves Bootstrapped An AI Dating Assistant to $500K/Month [Rizz]

Founded By

Roman Khaves

Monthly Revenue

$500K

Founders

Profitable

Yes

Year Started

2022

Customer

B2C

Founded By
Roman Khaves: Monthly Revenue
$500K

Founders
2: Profitable
Yes

Year Started
2022: Customer
B2C

Who is Roman Khaves?

Roman Khaves, co-founder of the Rizz App, is a New York City native and an alumnus of New York University Tandon School of Engineering. A serial entrepreneur with expertise in growth hacking and user acquisition, he launched his first business at age 16 before co-founding Rizz in 2021 to enhance online dating communication using AI technology.

What problem does Rizz solve?

Rizz solves the problem of dating app fatigue by using AI to help users craft engaging responses, giving them the confidence to initiate meaningful conversations and ultimately secure dates.

How did Roman come up with the idea for Rizz?

Roman Khaves came up with the idea for Rizz after experiencing his own frustrations with online dating. Like many people, he felt stuck in repetitive and stalled conversations on dating platforms, which often led nowhere. This personal struggle sparked the inspiration to find a solution that could help others navigate similar challenges.

Recognizing the potential of AI from the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Roman and his co-founder decided to leverage advanced language models to create a dating assistant. They aimed to offer users tailored strategies for starting and continuing conversations, thus reducing the burnout and fatigue many feel with dating apps. Before committing to the idea, they validated the need by observing the growing trend of people seeking advice for dating interactions.

As they developed the app, they refined it by focusing on user feedback and ensuring that interactions remained authentic while enhancing communication. One of the key lessons Roman learned was the importance of not automating responses but instead empowering users with suggestions, keeping personalization and user control at the forefront. This approach positioned Rizz as a tool to support genuine connections, rather than replacing them.

How did Roman build the initial version of Rizz?

Rizz, an AI dating assistant, was developed by leveraging the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT. Its core technology involves natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to analyze users' conversations from platforms such as Tinder and iMessage, offering strategic response suggestions to enhance user interactions. The development phase integrated the ChatGPT API, allowing the AI to improve its performance over time by learning user preferences.

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After a rapid development, the app's initial version was launched in December 2022, aimed at addressing dating app fatigue and stalled online conversations. Building Rizz involved challenges in ensuring user privacy and control, as the team decided against automating responses to maintain users' control over their own interactions.

What was the growth strategy for Rizz and how did they scale?

TikTok & Instagram (Influencer Marketing)

Rizz effectively utilized TikTok and Instagram as main marketing platforms to reach a wide audience. They leveraged the popularity of these platforms among their target demographic of young adults, often a key segment in the dating app market. Influencer partnerships played a significant role in this strategy. By collaborating with influencers, Rizz was able to generate buzz and organically reach potential users who trust the influencers' endorsements.

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Why it worked: The visual and engaging nature of TikTok and Instagram is ideal for showcasing the app's AI capabilities and humorous interaction examples, which appeal to the target audience's desire for modern, tech-savvy dating solutions. Influencers added credibility, making users more likely to download and try the app.

Viral Growth & User Referrals

The app's viral nature contributed greatly to its growth. Rizz implemented features that encouraged users to share the app with friends who might also benefit from its services. This word-of-mouth effect was augmented by the app's unique premise, which naturally prompted user discussions and sharing due to its novelty and utility.

Why it worked: Users sharing their experiences with the app—both successes and engagement tricks—created a viral loop that fueled organic growth. Rizz's function as an AI "wingman" provided a unique enough selling point to spark conversations and referrals, helping sustain high download rates and engagement.

Strategic Public Relations

Rizz maintained a steady presence in notable tech and lifestyle media outlets. By providing thought leadership and insights into the growing intersection of AI and dating, founders positioned themselves and the app as pioneers in this emerging market. This consistent media exposure helped build credibility and attract users curious about cutting-edge AI applications.

Why it worked: The app's unique AI approach was a compelling story for media, which helped attract attention from both tech enthusiasts and those interested in modern relationship dynamics. Consistently appearing in well-regarded publications built trust and intrigued potential users, driving additional downloads and growth.

SEO & Content Marketing

Rizz focused on targeting popular AI-related keywords, ensuring that when potential users searched for AI tools to aid in dating, Rizz appeared as a top choice. They utilized blog posts and other content that highlighted their unique solution to common dating problems—a strategy that not only attracted new users but also educated them on the app's benefits.

Why it worked: The decision to target specific AI and dating-related keywords allowed Rizz to capitalize on organic traffic from individuals actively seeking such tools. Informative content about their AI-driven solutions acted as both education and engagement, encouraging potential users to download the app to experience the benefits firsthand.

What's the pricing strategy for Rizz?

Rizz offers a free trial followed by a subscription fee of $7 per week, leveraging AI to enhance users' dating conversations across multiple platforms like Tinder and Instagram.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building Rizz?

Leverage AI for Personalization: Rizz effectively uses AI to offer personalized communication strategies, helping users move from online chats to real-life dates by understanding and improving conversation dynamics.
Prioritize User Control and Privacy: The app ensures users maintain control by offering suggestions without automating responses, highlighting the importance of user privacy and control in AI applications.
Adapt to Market Trends: Rizz successfully capitalized on the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT by integrating advanced language models, showing the importance of timely adaptation to technological trends.
Address Real User Needs: By tackling common frustrations like dating app fatigue and stalled conversations, Rizz positions itself as a solution to genuine user pain points, emphasizing the value of understanding customer needs.
Embrace Diverse Communication Channels: With half of the interactions happening outside dating apps on platforms like iMessage and Instagram, Rizz showcases the importance of broadening communication platforms to meet users where they are.

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