Chapter 2
In short: Chapter 2 is a UK-registered dating and community platform for widows and widowers, founded by Nicky Wake. DII reported in 2026 that it had 25,000 users and had reached break-even, and that Wake bought the technology platform behind her niche dating apps. It also runs the WidowsFire site.
Key facts
| Type | Dating app |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Founder | Nicky Wake |
| Website | chapter2dating.app |
| Founder | Founded by Nicky Wake as a dating and community platform for widows and widowers [Chapter 2] |
| Fact | The company site states it is UK-registered, with Company No. 14082950, and offers UK, US, Australian and Canadian versions [Chapter 2] |
| Fact | Prospective members are asked for proof of widowhood; the founder also launched WidowsFire, a partner site for members seeking physical connection [Global Dating Insights, 2023] |
| Fact | Published a study of 500 singles who had lost a partner; 61% said dating someone with a similar experience is better [Global Dating Insights, 10 January 2023] |
| Users | DII reported 25,000 users [Dating Industry Insights, May 2026] |
| Acquisition | DII reported Nicky Wake bought M14, the technology platform behind her three niche dating apps, for an undisclosed sum [Dating Industry Insights, May 2026] |
| Revenue | DII reported the group had reached break-even [Dating Industry Insights, September 2026] |
About Chapter 2
Chapter 2 is a dating and community platform for widows and widowers, founded by Nicky Wake. The company's site says Wake created it because mainstream dating apps left widowed people feeling unsupported. The company is UK-registered and has UK, US, Australian and Canadian versions of its site, with apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play and a members' forum.
Global Dating Insights reported that Chapter 2 asks prospective members for proof of widowhood before admitting them, and that it has held in-person gatherings for widows in Manchester and Birmingham. In January 2023 the company published a study of 500 singles who had lost a partner, in which 61 percent said that dating someone with a similar experience is better because they understand each other's situation more easily.
Wake also launched WidowsFire, a partner site for members seeking physical connection without a long-term commitment.
DII reported in May 2026 that Chapter 2 had 25,000 users and that Wake had bought M14, the technology platform behind her three niche dating apps, for an undisclosed sum. In September 2026 DII reported that the group, which serves widowed and sober singles, had reached break-even.
Stories about Chapter 2
- Chapter 2's Break-Even Milestone: A Blueprint for Niche Profitability
Chapter 2 Dating says it reached break-even in July 2025 after three months of record revenue, with marketing spend down by more than 50% year-on-year. - Chapter 2 and WidowsFire: Niche Dating Done Right or a Limited Play?
Chapter 2 Dating, a UK app for bereaved singles, has reached 25,000 users, the company says. Founder Nicky Wake also runs WidowsFire and has bought M14. - Widowhood Dating: Nicky Wake's Non-Profit Move Exposes a Market Gap
Nicky Wake, founder of Chapter 2 Dating and WidowsFire, has launched The Widowed Collective, a non-profit offering bereavement support to widowed people. - Chapter 2's M14 Acquisition: Cost Control or Strategic Misstep?
Chapter 2 Dating Ltd has acquired white-label platform M14, which powers its niche dating apps, ending its reliance on third-party infrastructure. - Widowed Daters: The Overlooked Market Match Group and Bumble Ignore
Chapter 2 research of nearly 15,000 widowed people finds 63% say dating platforms lack adequate support, pointing to a gap Match Group and Bumble overlook.
Also mentioned in
Questions about Chapter 2
What is Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 is a dating and community platform for widows and widowers, with apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Who founded Chapter 2?
Nicky Wake founded it, and says she did so because mainstream dating apps left widowed people feeling unsupported.
How many users does Chapter 2 have?
DII reported 25,000 users in May 2026.
Where is Chapter 2 based?
Chapter 2 is based in United Kingdom.
Also known as: Chapter 2 Dating.
Sources
- Chapter 2: The Story Behind Chapter 2: Nicky Wake's Journey from Heartbreak to Healing
- Global Dating Insights: GDI London 2023 roundup, the origins and evolution of Chapter 2
- Global Dating Insights: Chapter 2 releases study on dating for widows and widowers
- DII: Chapter 2 and WidowsFire: Niche Dating Done Right or a Limited Play?
- DII: Chapter 2's Break-Even Milestone: A Blueprint for Niche Profitability