In an era where dating apps dominate social interaction yet leave many disillusioned, one startup is reimagining how the next generation connects. Cerca, a new dating app designed for Gen Z, aims to restore authenticity to modern dating—and it’s set to make waves at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco later this month.

The app’s founder and CEO, Myles Slayton, experienced firsthand the struggles of digital romance during his banking internship in New York City. “We’re on our phones more than ever,” he said. “I thought to myself, ‘Why are dating apps terrible?’”
Unlike traditional apps built with millennials in mind, Cerca focuses on social proximity. It connects users with people already within or adjacent to their social circles—friends or friends of friends. Slayton, alongside co-founders Willy Conzelman and Carter Munk, launched Cerca just a few months ago. Since then, the platform has drawn over 60,000 users, mostly in New York and across U.S. universities, and has raised $1.6 million in seed funding.

According to Slayton, Gen Z’s dating habits are shaped by two major factors: the rise of the internet and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We simply don’t trust strangers,” he explained. “People are also deeply afraid of rejection.”

Cerca tackles these fears with intentional design. Users create standard profiles and sync their contacts; only people with mutual friends appear as potential matches. Likes remain anonymous, reducing rejection anxiety. The app limits users to four swipes per day, encouraging thoughtful engagement over endless scrolling.

“There’s no world where you should be seeing 100 profiles in a minute,” Slayton said. “You should take a second to think about each person—these are real people.”

The matching process unfolds slowly and deliberately. Profiles highlight shared connections first, then background information, and finally photos—emphasizing substance over looks. Each evening, users receive notifications of mutual interest, but no one knows who initiated the match.
Safety remains central to Cerca’s mission. With shared contacts, users can easily verify potential dates through mutual friends. The app also allows users to block specific individuals, limit contact sharing, and prevent screenshots or screen recordings. “You can even filter out certain professions or keywords,” Slayton noted. “Safety is paramount to us.”

Beyond the app, Cerca is building community through events and branded merchandise, strengthening its connection to young users who crave genuine, shared experiences.

The company’s participation in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt marks a pivotal moment. “It’s such an opportunity for the U.S. and the world to see who we are and to represent dating in a positive light,” Slayton said.

Cerca’s showcase will take place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 in San Francisco. The event will feature dozens of startup pitches, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions designed to spotlight innovation across industries—including how Gen Z is redefining the future of love.

Source: Techcrunch