In the latest episode of the Global Dating Insights podcast, host Bill Alena speaks with Richa Raval, the Founder and CEO of Walnut – a dating app that’s redefining how we form romantic connections by putting emotional and relational intelligence at the forefront.
Raval, who transitioned from a finance career at companies like Amazon to pursue her passion for psychology, developed Walnut from deeply personal roots. Drawing from her own journey through relational trauma and therapy, she saw the need for a platform that helps people unlearn unhealthy patterns and build the emotional tools necessary for meaningful relationships.
At its heart, Walnut is far more than a traditional dating app. It acts as a wellness platform, guiding users through short, interactive modules on themes such as attachment styles, boundaries, communication, and personal values. Inspired by the structure of apps like Duolingo, users spend just a few minutes each day completing modules to earn “Walnut Points”. Only after engaging with these lessons can users unlock the dating feature – encouraging consistent personal growth alongside romantic exploration.
The app’s AI enhances profiles by incorporating users’ reflections on ideal relationships, values, and lifestyle preferences. These insights generate a unique “Walnut Score” that measures compatibility with potential matches. Badges and endorsements – earned by completing topic modules – add a layer of social proof to profiles, showcasing users’ commitment to emotional development.
But Walnut’s ambitions extend beyond digital matching. As Raval explains, “We’re not just helping people find a partner. We want to help them build and sustain that relationship through every stage, from dating to starting a family.” This broader vision includes real-life events, workshops led by therapists, and conversation card sets designed to spark deeper interactions. Plans are also in motion to launch Walnut Safe restaurants and even high street “relationship labs”, spaces for people to practise and learn healthy relationship skills in person.
Having recently launched on both the Apple and Android app stores, Walnut has undergone two years of development, user feedback, and iterative design. Formerly known as “Pair”, the app has evolved significantly thanks to its “build with us” beta programme involving over 160 users.“The best advice I’ve had?” Raval says. “Listen to your users.”
She closes with a powerful piece of advice for anyone dating today: “Don’t chase chemistry – chase emotional availability and intelligence.”
With a thoughtful, therapy-informed approach, Walnut is set to disrupt the dating landscape – offering not just matches, but the tools to build lasting, emotionally healthy relationships.
You can listen to the full episode of Richa’s conversation on the GDI Podcast, on whichever platform you use.
