Amid growing disillusionment with traditional dating apps, a novel matchmaking trend is gaining traction in Australia: friends pitching their single mates in live presentations at pubs. The format, popularized by matchmaking startup Pitch Perfect Match, flips typical dating dynamics by turning to friends as advocates rather than relying on self-promotion via swiping apps.
At these events, friends deliver short PowerPoint-style presentations to an audience of singles, promoting their friend’s personality, quirks, and values in an often humorous but heartfelt way. Pitch Perfect Match co-founder Selani Adikari describes friends as more effective matchmakers because “they know you best and they’re not afraid to boast about you in ways that you might not feel comfortable with.” She says the method offers an authenticity missing from app-based dating.
The trend taps into broader dissatisfaction with swipe culture, particularly among Gen Z. A 2024 Forbes study found 75% of Gen Z users on major apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge reported feeling burnt out and unable to form genuine connections.
Forrester’s pub in Surry Hills hosted its first “Pitch Your Friend” night on Valentine’s Day this year, calling it a success and planning further events. Venue manager Sarah Cheney said, “A friend knows you; an app doesn’t,” highlighting how personal knowledge outperforms data-driven algorithms.
Relationship experts have noted that the friend-pitch approach reintroduces real-life interactions, addressing the superficiality many singles associate with online dating. While this format is obviously currently an offline approach to meeting potential partners, it could be something that apps take note of – it would hardly be the first time that an app has allowed users to matchmake their friends.
