Bristlr
In short: Bristlr is a niche dating app for people with beards and the people who like them, founded by John Kershaw in 2014. It is developed by Manchester-based M14 Industries Ltd. DII lists it among niche dating apps serving a specific community.
Key facts
| Type | Dating app |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Website | bristlr.com |
| Founder | Bristlr was founded by John Kershaw in 2014 [Wikipedia, 2014] |
| Launch | Kershaw launched the full Bristlr site on 22 October after the idea began in October 2014 as a joke [Northern Soul, 22 October 2014] |
| Owner | Bristlr is developed by M14 Industries Ltd, a startup based in Manchester [Wikipedia] |
| Users | Bristlr had welcomed more than 100,000 people and had about 20,000 monthly active users, with the US, UK and Brazil as its biggest markets [Global Dating Insights, July 2015] |
| Funding | After a Dragon's Den deal did not complete, Kershaw raised about £100,000 from angel investors [Wikipedia] |
| Fact | Members answer whether they have a beard, can rate beards, and must like each other before messaging; some features are paid [DatingAdvice] |
| Fact | DII described Bristlr as a niche dating app for bearded men and people who love them [Dating Industry Insights, 25 June 2026] |
About Bristlr
Bristlr is a location-based dating and social app that connects people with beards with people who like beards. It was founded by John Kershaw, a software developer based in Manchester, England. Kershaw has said the idea began in October 2014 as a joke, using a fake sign-up page, and that he launched the full site on 22 October after people tried to join for real.
New members are asked whether they have a beard and do not need to give a gender or write a detailed bio. Members can rate beards and message each other at no cost once both have liked each other, and some features, such as seeing who viewed a profile, are paid. The app has a feature called Lothario Detector that warns users about spam messages. It has been available on iOS, Android and the web.
The app is developed by M14 Industries Ltd, an app-building company run by Kershaw. In a July 2015 interview Kershaw said Bristlr had welcomed more than 100,000 people and had about 20,000 monthly active users, with the United States, United Kingdom and Brazil as its biggest markets. He later appeared on the BBC programme Dragon's Den, seeking £80,000 for 15% equity. A deal with two of the Dragons was agreed but did not complete, and he went on to raise about £100,000 from angel investors, according to Wikipedia.
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Questions about Bristlr
Who founded Bristlr?
Bristlr was founded by John Kershaw, a software developer in Manchester, in 2014.
Who owns Bristlr?
Bristlr is developed by M14 Industries Ltd, a Manchester startup run by Kershaw.
What is Bristlr?
Bristlr is a dating app for people with beards and those who like them. Members rate beards and can message once both have liked each other.
Where is Bristlr based?
Bristlr is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.
When was Bristlr founded?
Bristlr was founded in 2014.
Also known as: Bristlr.com, M14 Industries Ltd (developer).
Sources
- Wikipedia: Bristlr
- Northern Soul: Bristlr
- Global Dating Insights: Meet the man behind 2015's most surprising dating success story
- DatingAdvice: Bristlr, a friendly dating network where beards of all shapes and sizes are beloved
- Dating Industry Insights: Howdy's Rural Surge: A Signal for Match Group and Bumble?