Eight
In short: Eight is a Portuguese video-first dating app that opens each night between 8pm and 9pm. Members browse 30-second video introductions, and a match unlocks an eight-minute live video call before any text chat. It is live in Portugal and the UK and is raising a €3 million seed round. DII covers it as an experiment in lower-engagement dating design.
Key facts
| Type | Dating app |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Portugal |
| Founder | Joana Almeida |
| Website | eightdating.com |
| Launch | Video-first dating app live in Portugal and the UK, with human-verified members and no photo profiles [The Next Web, April 2026] |
| Fact | Members log in each night between 8pm and 9pm, browse 30-second video introductions, and matches unlock eight-minute live video calls; chat is enabled only after both people agree to a call [The Next Web, April 2026] |
| Funding | Raising a €3 million seed round, with €256,600 closed so far; investors not named [Global Dating Insights, April 2026] |
| Chief executive | Afonso Simão is CEO and previously founded the fitness brand Miofar [The Next Web, April 2026] |
| Founder | Moreira da Cruz is co-founder and leads sales and growth [Global Dating Insights, April 2026] |
| Fact | Plans to use the seed funding to expand into Eastern Europe and the United States [Global Dating Insights, April 2026] |
About Eight
Eight is a video-first dating app from Portugal. It has no photo profiles. Human-verified members log in each night between 8pm and 9pm, browse 30-second video introductions from other members and match with people they like. A match unlocks an eight-minute live video call, and text chat is enabled only after both people agree to the call. The company says this design is meant to address fake profiles and ghosting, and it avoids infinite scroll, notification loops and streak mechanics.
The app is live in Portugal and the UK. In April 2026 the founders said they were raising a €3 million seed round and had closed €256,600 of it. Investors were not named. The founders plan to use the funding to expand into Eastern Europe and the United States.
Afonso Simão is chief executive and previously founded the fitness brand Miofar. Moreira da Cruz is co-founder and handles sales and growth. Dating Industry Insights has covered Eight as an example of apps that limit engagement on purpose, and has questioned whether users will adopt an app built to restrict how often they use it.
Timeline
Deals
| Date | Type | Parties | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 April 2026 | Funding | Eight: Not disclosed | €256,600 of planned €3M seed |
Stories about Eight
- Eight's €3M Bet: Can Less Engagement Deliver More Value?
Eight, a Portuguese video-first dating app open only 8pm to 9pm, has raised €256,600 of a planned €3M seed round.
Questions about Eight
What is Eight?
Eight is a Portuguese video-first dating app. Members use it between 8pm and 9pm each night, browsing 30-second video introductions and meeting matches on eight-minute video calls.
Where is Eight available?
Eight is live in Portugal and the UK. The founders plan to expand into Eastern Europe and the United States.
How much has Eight raised?
Eight is raising a €3 million seed round and had closed €256,600 of it as of April 2026.
Who founded Eight?
Eight was founded by Joana Almeida.
Where is Eight based?
Eight is based in Portugal.
What is Eight's latest deal?
Funding: Not disclosed, €256,600 of planned €3M seed, 13 April 2026.
Also known as: Eight Dating.