Grouper
In short: Grouper was a New York-based invite-only social club that arranged group outings, typically three friends paired with another three, at bars in about 25 cities. It was founded by Michael Waxman and Tom Brown and shut down in October 2016. DII cites it as an example of a group dates service that folded despite early traction.
Key facts
| Type | Service |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New York, United States |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Status | Closed |
| Founder | Founded by Michael Waxman and Tom Brown [Wikipedia, 2011] |
| Fact | Invite-only social club that arranged group outings, typically three friends paired with another three, at a bar or venue in about 25 cities, with the first round of drinks covered [Wikipedia, 2016] |
| Headquarters | Described as a New York-based startup [Wikipedia, 2016] |
| Fact | Shut down in October 2016 [Wikipedia, October 2016] |
| Fact | DII reports Grouper organised group dates in 2012 and folded despite early traction [Dating Industry Insights, 28 September 2026] |
About Grouper
Grouper was an invite-only social club that arranged group outings, known as Groupers, usually pairing three friends with another three. It used data from members' Facebook profiles, with their permission, to match groups, and a member experience team helped arrange a meeting at a bar or venue. The service paid for the first round of drinks and operated in about 25 cities.
The company was based in New York and was founded by Michael Waxman and Tom Brown. Wikipedia gives 2011 as its founding year, while DII dates its group dates to 2012, which is likely the public launch.
Grouper shut down in October 2016. DII, in its coverage of a newer in-person meetups app, cites Grouper as a group dates service that folded despite early traction. It is a frequently cited example in discussion of whether group-based and offline formats can sustain a dating business.
Also mentioned in
Questions about Grouper
What was Grouper?
Grouper was an invite-only social club that arranged group outings, typically three friends paired with another three, at bars in about 25 cities.
Who founded Grouper?
Michael Waxman and Tom Brown, according to Wikipedia.
Is Grouper still operating?
No. Wikipedia lists the company as shut down in October 2016.
What is Grouper?
Grouper was a New York-based invite-only social club that arranged group outings, typically three friends paired with another three, at bars in about 25 cities. It was founded by Michael Waxman and Tom Brown and shut down in October 2016.
Where is Grouper based?
Grouper is based in New York, United States.
When was Grouper founded?
Grouper was founded in 2011.
Also known as: Grouper Social Club.