# Gigi Network > Source: https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/companies/gigi-network | Publisher: Dating Industry Insights (High Intent Media Inc) | Last checked: 2026-10-23 **In short:** Gigi is an AI-powered professional social network founded by French entrepreneur Clara Gold. It began as an AI dating app, then relaunched in 2025 as a LinkedIn rival that uses calendar data to suggest introductions. Reported as Paris-based with plans to move to San Francisco, it matters to dating because it cites dating's retention problem as the reason for its pivot. ## Key facts - Type: Professional networking (former AI dating app) - Headquarters: France - Founded: 2023 - Status: Active; invite-only beta of AI professional network (relaunched September 2025) - Website: gigi.co - Founder: Clara Gold, a French entrepreneur (2025) [source](https://onlinepersonalswatch.com/2025/09/24/gigi-pivots-from-ai-dating-app-to-linkedin-rival/) - Pivot: Gold shut down the dating app and relaunched Gigi as an AI-powered professional network that uses calendar data to map relationships and prompt warm introductions (2025-09-24) [source](https://onlinepersonalswatch.com/2025/09/24/gigi-pivots-from-ai-dating-app-to-linkedin-rival/) - Launch status: Invite-only beta went live in September 2025 across the US and Europe, with broader expansion planned for 2026 (2025-09-24) [source](https://onlinepersonalswatch.com/2025/09/24/gigi-pivots-from-ai-dating-app-to-linkedin-rival/) - Funding: $8 million total, including a $3 million round led by Khosla Ventures; other investors include Sequoia, OpenAI and Monashees (some directories report higher totals) (2025-09) [source](https://onlinepersonalswatch.com/2025/09/24/gigi-pivots-from-ai-dating-app-to-linkedin-rival/) - Founded: 2023, as an AI avatar called Ava, later an AI dating app, then a professional network [source](https://app.dealroom.co/companies/gigi_5) - Location: Listed as Paris, France, with a planned move to the US; Tracxn lists San Francisco [source](https://app.dealroom.co/companies/gigi_5) - Website: gigi.co [source](https://tracxn.com/d/companies/gigi/__ubgo55Cz8b-twmaa7Z7z90dDFb5RdYUpd3DyH764zys) - DII coverage: DII reported that Gigi pivoted to professional networking, with Gold saying successful matches mean users delete the app (story text could not be fetched; taken from the lead summary) [source](https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/news/ai-dating-app-gigi-pivots-linkedin) ## About Gigi is an AI-powered professional social network founded by French entrepreneur Clara Gold. Dealroom and Tracxn both list 2023 as its founding year, although one directory gives 2022. Dealroom says it started as an AI avatar called Ava, then became an AI dating app, and later moved to professional networking. Another source describes the dating product as an AI wingwoman that learned user context to recommend matches. In 2025 Gold shut down the dating app and relaunched Gigi as a professional network, as reported by Business Insider and summarised by Online Personals Watch. The product asks users for calendar access and uses it to map real relationships and prompt warm introductions. An invite-only beta went live in September 2025 across the US and Europe, with broader expansion planned for 2026. The pivot reflects dating apps' retention problem and Gold's view that LinkedIn connections often lack real strength. Funding is reported at $8 million in total, including a $5 million seed round and a $3 million extension led by Khosla Ventures. Other named backers include Sequoia Capital, OpenAI, DST Global and Monashees. Some directories show higher totals, so the figure should be treated with care. Sources describe the company as Paris-based, with plans to move its headquarters to San Francisco, and Tracxn already lists San Francisco. For the dating industry, Gigi is an example of a dating startup that left the category over its economics. ## Stories about Gigi Network - [Gigi's Pivot to Networking: A Signal AI Can't Fix Dating's Economics](https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/news/ai-dating-app-gigi-pivots-linkedin) (2025-09-26) ## Questions **What is Gigi?** Gigi is an AI-powered professional social network that began as an AI dating app and relaunched for professionals in 2025. **Who founded Gigi?** French entrepreneur Clara Gold founded it. **Is Gigi still a dating app?** No. Gold shut down the dating app and relaunched Gigi as a professional network, with an invite-only beta from September 2025. **Who has funded Gigi?** Reported total funding is $8 million, with a $3 million round led by Khosla Ventures and backers including Sequoia, OpenAI and Monashees. **What does Gigi Network do?** Gigi is an AI-powered professional social network founded by French entrepreneur Clara Gold. It began as an AI dating app, then relaunched in 2025 as a LinkedIn rival that uses calendar data to suggest introductions. **Where is Gigi Network based?** Gigi Network is based in France. **When was Gigi Network founded?** Gigi Network was founded in 2023. --- Canonical: https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/companies/gigi-network