Fate
In short: Fate is a swipeless dating app from London that recommends matches from user behaviour over time. It has passed 10,000 installs, according to the company. In July 2026 it launched Fate IRL, a series of compatibility-based speed dating events whose attendees are chosen using app data. DII covers it as an example of dating apps moving into live events.
Key facts
| Type | Dating app |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founder | Rakesh Naidu |
| Founder | Rakesh Naidu is the founder of Fate, a swipeless dating app that bases recommendations on user behaviour over time [Global Dating Insights, July 2026] |
| Users | The company says the app has passed 10,000 installs [DatingNews, July 2026] |
| Launch | Launched Fate IRL, a series of speed dating events in London with attendees curated from app data; the first two events on 18 and 21 July sold out and a third was planned for 1 August [Global Dating Insights, July 2026] |
| Fact | Each Fate IRL event has 20 participants, ten men and ten women, and ten five-minute dates; premium subscribers get priority access and free attendance [Global Dating Insights, July 2026] |
| Headquarters | Described as a London startup [Dating Industry Insights, July 2026] |
About Fate
Fate is a swipe-free dating app that bases match recommendations on how members behave over time rather than on swiping. It is run from London, and its founder is Rakesh Naidu. The company says the app has passed 10,000 installs. It has not published figures on match rates or dates arranged.
In July 2026 Fate launched Fate IRL, a series of in-person speed dating events. Attendees are curated using data from the app, with the aim of putting compatible people in the same room. Each event has 20 participants, ten men and ten women, who go on a series of ten five-minute dates. The first two London events, on 18 and 21 July, sold out, and a third was planned for 1 August.
Premium subscribers get priority access and attend free. Active users without a premium subscription can apply for remaining places through the app. Naidu has argued that many dating events fill seats rather than match compatibility. Dating Industry Insights has covered Fate as part of a wider move by dating apps towards organised offline events.
Features and products
- Fate IRL: Fate's curated speed dating event series in London [Dating Industry Insights, 13 July 2026]
Stories about Fate
- Fate's Speed Dating Gamble: A Blueprint for Match's Next Acquisition?
Fate, a London dating app with 10,000 installs, has launched Fate IRL speed dating events. The first two, on 18 and 21 July, have sold out.
Also mentioned in
Questions about Fate
What is Fate?
Fate is a swipe-free dating app from London that recommends matches from user behaviour over time.
Who founded Fate?
Rakesh Naidu is the founder.
What is Fate IRL?
Fate IRL is a series of speed dating events for which attendees are curated using app data. Each event has 20 participants and ten five-minute dates.
Where is Fate based?
Fate is based in London, United Kingdom.
Also known as: Fate IRL.