# Hank Social

> Source: https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/products/hank-social | Publisher: Dating Industry Insights (High Intent Media Inc) | Last checked: 2026-10-20


**In short:** Hank Social is a pre-launch app for men in kink and fetish communities, positioned as a privacy-forward alternative to larger gay dating apps. Queerty reports it was founded by Eido Gat and Ido Barbibay, who are based in Palm Springs, California. It had not announced a launch date by September 2026.

## Key facts

- Type: Dating app
- Headquarters: Palm Springs, United States
- Founder: Founded by friends Eido Gat and Ido Barbibay (2026-09-04) [source](https://www.queerty.com/good-news-gay-nerds-are-coming-to-shake-up-the-dating-app-industry-20260904/)
- Headquarters: Founders are based in Palm Springs (2026-09-04) [source](https://www.queerty.com/good-news-gay-nerds-are-coming-to-shake-up-the-dating-app-industry-20260904/)
- Launch: Working toward an app launch but has not set a date; uses human moderation (2026-09-04) [source](https://www.queerty.com/good-news-gay-nerds-are-coming-to-shake-up-the-dating-app-industry-20260904/)
- Fact: Pre-launch privacy-forward app targeting men in kink and fetish communities, named with Meetmarket and Goose as alternatives to Grindr; none had shipped (2026-09-08) [source](https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/news/privacy-concerns-community-gay-dating-apps)

## About

Hank Social is a social and dating app aimed at men in kink and fetish communities. Dating Industry Insights described it in September 2026 as one of at least three new privacy-forward platforms, with Meetmarket and Goose, positioning themselves as alternatives to Grindr. DII said none of the three had yet shipped. Queerty reported on 4 September 2026 that Hank Social was founded by friends Eido Gat and Ido Barbibay, who are based in Palm Springs. The founders said they were working toward an app launch but had not set a date. The app is described as discreet and as relying on human moderation. Gat is quoted as saying "Nothing ever leaves our servers." Hank is presented as a friendly place to learn that the founders say they wished had existed when they were finding their own communities. A social media account under the name Hank_Social was promoting an event in July 2026. Funding details for Hank Social have not been published in the sources reviewed; the crowdfunding campaign mentioned in coverage of this group of apps relates to Meetmarket, not Hank. The app is intended for adult audiences.



## Questions



**Who founded Hank Social?** Queerty reports that Hank Social was founded by Eido Gat and Ido Barbibay, who are based in Palm Springs.

**Has Hank Social launched?** As of September 2026 it had not announced a launch date.

**What is Hank Social?** Hank Social is a pre-launch app for men in kink and fetish communities, positioned as a privacy-forward alternative to larger gay dating apps. Queerty reports it was founded by Eido Gat and Ido Barbibay, who are based in Palm Springs, California. It had not announced a launch date by September 2026.

**Where is Hank Social based?** Hank Social is based in Palm Springs, United States.


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Canonical: https://www.datingindustryinsights.com/products/hank-social