Singapore-based dating app companies Paktor and Lunch Actually will merge to expand the pool of potential matches and offer more personalised dating experiences, the agencies announced on 9 September. Both dating apps will continue to operate independently under the new holding entity, Lunch Actually Paktor Group. Violet Lim, Co-founder and CEO of Lunch Actually, will assume the role of Group CEO. The entity will extend its operations across six key Asian markets: Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. This merger comes in response to a decline in the use of online dating apps amid increased dating app fatigue. The agencies aim to provide a holistic suite of integrated online and offline dating services to boost singles’ chances of finding aligned partners.
Background
The merger between Paktor and Lunch Actually is a strategic move to address the challenges faced by singles in the dating scene. The agencies have identified a growing need for enhanced personalised solutions that blend traditional dating wisdom with technology, such as relationship coaching. Existing users will benefit from a wider range of services and a larger pool of potential matches. Alex Tam, CEO of Paktor Group, mentioned that the merger would allow both agencies to cross-match clients and users across their different brands, creating more opportunities for users to find a potential match.
Lunch Actually and Paktor
Established in 2004, Lunch Actually is an offline matchmaking service that connects singles over lunch dates, with approximately 1.2 million members regionally. Paktor Group, created in 2013, provides location-based online dating to its 20 million users across Singapore. Paktor Group also expanded to create an offline dating service in Singapore called GaiGai in late 2013. While Lunch Actually’s client demographic tends to skew towards those in their early 30s to late 40s, Paktor’s clients are generally aged 25 to late 30s.
Enhanced personalised solutions
The merger aims to tackle the issue of dating app fatigue by offering a more comprehensive suite of services. The agencies plan to blend traditional dating wisdom with modern technology, including relationship coaching, to help singles overcome hurdles such as difficulty in putting themselves out on the dating scene and the desire to meet more eligible, quality singles. This approach is expected to provide a more personalised and effective dating experience for users.
Expanded operations
The new entity, Lunch Actually Paktor Group, will extend its operations across six key Asian markets: Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. This expansion aims to provide a larger pool of potential matches for users in these regions. The agencies believe that by operating in multiple markets, they can offer more diverse and compatible matches for their users.
Future implications
The merger between Paktor and Lunch Actually is expected to set a new standard in the dating industry by combining the strengths of both companies. The enhanced personalised solutions and expanded operations are likely to attract more users and improve the overall dating experience. As the new entity continues to grow, it may also explore opportunities for further expansion and innovation in the dating industry.
