Offers a first-to-market approach to finding the one, marrying the art of traditional matchmaking with the science of online dating
NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frustrated with swiping left or right, today’s singles are looking to ditch impersonal algorithms and go beyond the likes. When We First is the first dating app created by a professional matchmaker, offers something entirely different: a hybrid model that combines online dating, traditional offline matchmaking, or both—all backed by expert experience and cutting-edge technology. Launching this Valentine’s Day, When We First offers singles looking for real, meaningful connections a new way to find love.
Co-founded by professional matchmaker Sandra Hatton and wellness entrepreneur Mariel Filippone, When We First brings 15 years of dating expertise to the digital age. Being proudly female-run and mostly women-funded, the company strives to offer busy professionals and singles everywhere a first-of-its-kind blend of online dating and traditional matchmaking services.
“As a professional matchmaker, I’ve spent over a decade witnessing the frustrations people face with dating apps, particularly with how impersonal they’ve gotten,” says Sandra Hatton, founder and CEO of When We First. “We built When We First to be an entirely new online dating experience designed from a true dating expert’s perspective, merging the best of online dating technology with the human touch of traditional matchmaking for a more modern, effective and intentional approach to dating.”
A New Era in Dating, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a turning point for singles seeking connection in a fast-paced world, and When We First is uniquely designed to deliver personalized, curated matchmaking solutions for those tired of endless swiping. Whether users prefer a completely offline matchmaking experience, online dating, or a mix of both, the app offers a tailored approach that aligns with their goals.
What Makes When We First Different?
Find Love by Valentine’s Day—Special Promotion
For singles ready to take the leap, When We First is offering up to $1,000 off matchmaking memberships through March 15th, 2025. Additionally, new users who download the app will receive complimentary access to all premium features for the first month.
“Best first date I’ve been on,” says Shannon H., a happy client. “There’s a big part of me that wants to skip to the part where I’m married and have a home with someone. But if the journey between here and there includes more dates like this one, I think it will be fun—which is a big step in the right direction!”
For more information, visit www.whenwefirst.com or download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play today. Join the conversation on Instagram at WhenWe1st, Facebook WhenWe1st, or on TikTok at @WhenWe1st.
About When We First
Leveraging 15 years of matchmaking expertise, When We First has been in development since 2023. It is the first hybrid platform offering completely offline matchmaking, online dating, or both. Founded by Sandra Hatton who was the Vice President of the largest matchmaking service in the world for over a decade, and Mariel Filippone who has spent her entire career in health and wellness, When We First integrates cutting-edge technology with personalized matchmaking to create meaningful connections. Proudly female-founded and predominately women-funded, the company is reinventing dating by combining human interaction with technology to empower singles.
Contact: Sandra Hatton
Company: When We First
Email: Sandra@whenwefirst.com
Phone: 1-866-645-9977
Website: www.whenwefirst.com
Look Beyond the Likes and Find Love Today
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SOURCE When We First


