Alternative to Upward
Make space for your values.
Knowing what matters to you is a good place to start. Upward puts shared values on the profile; Known asks you about them in a conversation. Tell us about your life and what you're looking for. We'll make a personal introduction and help plan a date when you're both interested. Some things are better talked about over dinner.
Great app and helped me find love
Cool way to date with deeper connection
At first I thought this was cap and all marketing hype, but I finally got to do the call today and it was a cool XP. Now I just gotta see if they actually got somebody for me 🤣
How is Known different?
Ready for something beyond an inbox?
Meet people looking for what you are
Known is a community of intentional daters who are ready for a real relationship. Whether you’re newly single, divorced, have been dating for a while, or simply ready to find your person - our matchmaker gets to know you and what you’re looking for so we can find the same in the people we introduce you to.
What will it feel like in person?
Skip the pen-pal phase
We believe chemistry is best discovered in person, not over a screen. Known skips the endless small talk and conversations that go nowhere, so you can see if there’s a spark in person. Once you both say yes to an introduction, Known finds a time that works and plans the date. Save the real getting-to-know-you part for when you meet.
Want a date that fits your life?
Your preferences matter.
Your match, preferences, and availability help shape the date. Known looks for a place that fits, not just somewhere to meet.
Can someone else handle the planning?
We make the date happen
When you and your match are ready to meet, Known finds a time that works for both of you, picks a spot nearby, books the reservation, and sends you the details. We take care of everything so you don’t have to.
Do you want to browse, or be introduced?
Dating that cares about your time
Known is searching for your match every day, so you don’t have to spend hours swiping or checking for someone new. When we find someone you want to meet, we plan the date and send you the details. You just have to show up.
More than a questionnaire?
Meet someone chosen for you
There’s a lot about you that could never fit into a dating profile. At Known, we get to know all the little things that make you, you - your quirks, values, aspirations, and what you’re looking for in a relationship. We do the same with your potential matches, so we can introduce you to someone we believe you’ll have real compatibility with.
Known vs Upward
The starting point
Upward emphasizes shared values, family and commitment.
Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.
Getting to know someone
Members put Core Values on their profiles and use mutual likes to start chatting.
When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.
Your phone
Upward has listings on both the US App Store and Google Play.
Known is available on iOS and Android, so you can choose the same matchmaking service on either phone.
the app design is literally stunning like tf?? it appeals to the genz audience well i feel, better than hinge, better than tinder
this feels like a nice reset from normal dating apps. the onboarding is really well done — almost like a little magazine/storytelling video sequence instead of the usual app setup. feels more thoughtful and less swipey, which is def a good thing.
Probably the smoothest, easiest, and most engaging “dating app” onboarding I’ve had ever. I didn’t even procrastinate because I don’t have to think hard to curate my own profile, which is always such a chore. The app is aesthetically designed so pretty and no fuss. So far loving it!
How Known Works
A little more personal.
Swipeless dating.
You don't browse people. You're introduced to them.
Known starts by getting to know you. Not just your profile, but how you think, what you value, and who you're drawn to.
From there, we introduce you to one person at a time. Someone chosen with intention. Someone worth meeting.
No endless options. No small talk.
If there's mutual interest, we set the date. Time, place, everything handled. All you have to do is show up.
It gets better over time.
After each date, Known learns. What felt right. What didn't. What surprised you.
So every introduction becomes more accurate. More natural. More you.
Less searching. More knowing.
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Hayes Valley / San Francisco
Birba
Birba is an intimate wine bar on Grove Street with a covered, string-lit garden out back, making it a quieter spot to get to know your date. The wine list mixes old-world classics with natural bottles you can pull straight from the shelf.
Go on a date here with Known
Hayes Valley / San Francisco
Zuni Café
Zuni Café has been a San Francisco institution since 1979, with big windows overlooking Market Street and a copper wood-fired oven at the back of the room. The classic order is the roast chicken for two, which takes about an hour to prepare and arrives over a warm bread salad.
Go on a date here with Known
Marina / San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts
Take a walk around the Palace of Fine Arts just before sunset, when the light hits the rotunda and reflects across the lagoon. The loop itself only takes about 15 minutes, so pair it with coffee, wine, or dinner nearby if you want to make a night of it.
Go on a date here with KnownA few possibilities from our venue library. Your date’s location depends on your match, preferences, and availability.
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known
Tap to InstallA little more to know