Monday, December 23 2024 – An exclusive interview with Spowse’s Pioneer

In the crowded landscape of dating applications, few have dared to disrupt the status quo quite like Spowse. Launched to address the unique cultural and relational needs of Africans, the app is set to make waves across the continent and beyond. In this exclusive interview, Abayomi Oluyeye, the visionary CEO and founder of Spowse, pulls no punches as he declares his platform’s mission to not only compete with but redefine the online dating space in Africa.

Set against the backdrop of a market dominated by global giants like Tinder, Bumble, and niche platforms such as TrueFlutter and AfroIntroductions, Spowse’s entry has ignited conversations about innovation, inclusivity, and cultural authenticity in dating. With bold claims, fresh features, and a growing user base, can Spowse truly become the go-to app for Africans seeking love? Abayomi says YES!

Q: Spowse has launched to a lot of fanfare, with you boldly stating that it will be the death of many dating applications in Africa. What inspired such confidence?

Abayomi: First, let me say this: Spowse is not just another dating app. It’s a movement. Spowse was built from the ground up to prioritise the unique cultural and relational needs of Africans. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have been successful globally, but Spowse adds an African perspective by focusing on our unique values and cultural nuances. We knew there was a gap—Africans need an app that understands our values, celebrates our diversity, and prioritises meaningful relationships.

Spowse fills that gap. With features like cultural matchmaking algorithms, a focus on long-term connections, and safety tools tailored to our communities, we’re doing what these global apps haven’t done. This isn’t arrogance; it’s conviction. Our early metrics speak volumes: Spowse has garnered significant pre-launch interest, with over 10,000 signups across key markets and projections of rapid growth post-launch.

Q: With established players like Tinder, Bumble, and regional apps like TrueFlutter, how does Spowse plan to compete and carve out its space?

Abayomi: We’re not just competing—we’re innovating. While these platforms focus on swipes and superficial matches, we focus on depth. Our app integrates cultural filters and personalised matchmaking that resonate with Africans. For example, we ask about cultural preferences—tribe, language, or even food—as part of the onboarding process. Can you imagine Tinder asking you if you prefer someone who shares your love for Jollof rice or Sukuma Wiki?

Moreover, Spowse is safer. Spowse prioritiSes safety with AI-driven identity verification systems designed to create a secure environment for our users. Plus, our user feedback shows that many Africans feel more at home on Spowse because it’s designed with respect for their cultures and beliefs.

Q: Can you highlight the unique features that make Spowse stand out?

Abayomi: Of course. We have unpacked some standout features. We have the Selective Compatibility Filters which ensures users are not overwhelmed with countless profiles, and the Dual Home Screens, which feature the exact partner profiles users are looking to connect with. There is the Video Lock-In feature and the Instant Messaging features which makes connecting easier, faster and safer. Users can initiate a video call within 24 hours to lock in their preferred matches, or skip the queue and send an instant message, taking the next step with confidence.

We have given our security a facelift with the Facial Verification feature to ensure the safety of our users. Features like the Spowse Zodiac, and onboarding prompts encourage users to indicate their relationship goals clearly. This isn’t a hookup app; we’re about helping you find your life partner. Let’s not forget the basic features like the Snooze and Incognito Mode which gives users more control over their visibility on the platform. These premium features allow users to go offline temporarily without losing connections—perfect for busy professionals.

It gets interesting with Cupid Time, where users can find love on the go! Whether it is in a gym, concert, place of worship or even at a lounge, we connect Spowers wherever they are. Users are notified of Spowers near them and both parties have to consent to connect. We look forward to all the juicy success stories that unfolds! 

Then there is the Cupid Haven, but enough of the sneak peek, there are many more exciting features awaiting you on the app. We invite you on this journey to explore all these amazing options with us, to make online dating for Africans intentional and exhilarating. Unlike Tinder’s swipe-first approach or Bumble’s conversation focus, Spowse fosters meaningful connections through innovative features like cultural matchmaking.

Q: What trends have you noticed in the African dating landscape, and how does Spowse tap into them?

Abayomi: Africans are becoming more comfortable with online dating, but trust remains a huge issue. We’ve found that people crave authenticity, which is why apps like TrueFlutter have had some success by prioritising cultural values. At Spowse, we continually innovate to provide modern designs and robust features tailored to user feedback

Spowse leverages this trend by blending modern technology with cultural relevance. Our data shows that 70% of African users on dating apps are aged 20-35, and they’re looking for meaningful relationships, not flings. That’s our sweet spot.

Q: Launching a tech product in Africa has its challenges. What hurdles has Spowse faced, and how are you addressing them?

Abayomi: Infrastructure and accessibility are big challenges. Internet costs and smartphone penetration still limit many users. That’s why we’ve optimised Spowse for low-data usage and older smartphones.

Another challenge is trust. Some dating apps have faced criticism for security challenges, which has made users more cautious about online platforms. By addressing these gaps with our robust safety tools, we’re earning user trust rapidly.

Q: Where do you see Spowse in five years?

Abayomi: In five years, Spowse will be synonymous with love in Africa both on the continent and in the diaspora. We aim to reach 10 million users globally by deepening our presence in Africa and connecting African communities across Europe and North America. By continuously innovating and listening to our users, we believe Spowse will become the gold standard for culturally relevant dating.

As we conclude this interview, it is clear that Abayomi Oluyeye’s bold vision for Spowse is as inspiring as it is ambitious. In a market dominated by giants like Tinder, Bumble, and regional players like TrueFlutter, Spowse’s focus on cultural authenticity and meaningful connections sets it apart. Whether it’s redefining how Africans find love or challenging industry norms, Spowse is a name to watch in the world of online dating.

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About Abayomi Oluyeye

Abayomi Oluyeye is a seasoned entrepreneur and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the African tech ecosystem. As the CEO and founder of Spowse, he is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and foster meaningful connections across cultures.

About Spowse

Spowse is the leading platform for authentic connections among Africans worldwide. As a dating app made for Africans, both in Africa and around the world, we help Africans find love and meaningful connections in a way that respects and celebrates our diverse cultures and beliefs. We understand the unique preferences of Africans seeking meaningful relationships that honour their cultural values, so we prioritise inclusivity and respect, making it easy and safe for Africans to find lasting love that feels like home.

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