Blyss -

Hunter Hanley & Alana Stull
Blyss is building a dating app that matches you and safely coordinates your ideal date.

We have been hard at work this summer, and we want to show off our awesome founders! Meet the startups in Class 10 of OwlSpark and Class 1 of BlueLaunch. Our #FounderSpotlightSeries continues with Blyss from Rice University OwlSpark!

Tell me about your startup.
Blyss - Bring Life to Your Soul Search - is the solution for 20-26-year-old dating app users dissatisfied with current “dating” apps. Blyss, powered by our 3-date-type model, allows users to choose from three date options: interactive, active, and dining. We are the ONLY dating platform that matches you with a compatible person AND facilitates your ideal date.

Why did you decide to start your business?
During my time at Georgetown University, I noticed reoccurring complaints of how current dating apps were hyper-sexualized and did not provide opportunities to start a genuine relationship with like-minded individuals. I advised going on physical dates; however, it became evident that there was not much aid in setting up the perfect first date. Therefore, the idea of Blyss was created and we became the first application that facilitates traditional dating in a modern, efficient way, and makes it seamless for the customer.

What have you gotten out of this program?
In this program we got invaluable mentorship from a wide array of mentors with a variety of skill sets and views, as well as an invaluable cohort with crucial leadership to bounce ideas off of, learn from, and help grow my company. We gained incredible support and accountability for the production of the Blyss app and the integral thesis behind the platform. Lastly, we have the opportunity to showcase Blyss at the Bayou Startup showcase, which has increased my presentation, communication, and pitch skills.

What is your biggest accomplishment from this program?
Our biggest accomplishment from this program was our creation of our beta test.

Fun Fact!
Blyss stands for Bring Life to Your Soul Search!