Tag: Featured News

Global Love Report – January 15th, 2025
English summary by Margaret W

Karine Le Marchand, a prominent French television host known for her popular dating show “L’amour est dans le pré” (Love is in the Meadow), has recently announced her latest venture: a modern matchmaking service that embraces the concept of “slow dating.”

New Matchmaking Agency Combines Traditional Values with Modern Approach

Her new “matchmaking agency 2.0” aims to counter the rapid-fire nature of modern dating apps by encouraging meaningful, face-to-face connections. Her agency ensures that people meet in real life, cutting out the digital middleman. This approach represents a significant shift from current online dating trends, focusing on meaningful in-person interactions instead of the endless matching found in dating apps

Privacy and Data Protection

The platform emphasizes user privacy and data protection, implementing strict protocols for personal information handling. Users maintain control over their data sharing preferences and can modify their privacy settings at any time. The service employs necessary tracking tools solely for service improvement and statistical purposes, ensuring transparency in data collection practices.

Originally published by: RTL

Global Love Report – December 4th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

Antwerp-based Altēro has acquired DateDesk, a matchmaking agency based in Flanders. The acquisition comes after DateDesk experienced exceptional membership growth within its first year of operation.

Founded by relationship experts Elke Clijsters and Rita Matoukou, DateDesk established itself as a matchmaking agency in Flanders and is known for its dedication to personalized attention and quality service. Their commitment to providing exceptional client experiences led to rapid growth, prompting the strategic decision to join forces with Altēro.

The merger combines DateDesk’s client-focused approach with Altēro’s extensive professional network. Under the leadership of Ilse Reynders, a seasoned psychologist, relationship therapist, and sexologist with 15 years of private practice experience, and Ilse Melotte, a commercial engineer and mental coach with two decades of business expertise, Altēro has built a reputation for excellence in relationship services. Their team of licensed psychologists and psychotherapists throughout Flanders ensures that former DateDesk clients will continue to receive high-quality, professional matchmaking services tailored to their individual needs.

Originally published by: made in

Global Love Report – November 13th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

IBJ Co., Ltd., Japan’s leading matchmaking agency, has set a new record with 72,728 successful matches in October 2024. This milestone underscores the growing popularity of professional matchmaking services in Japan, where the company’s membership is approaching 100,000.

To celebrate this achievement and further expand opportunities for singles, IBJ has launched a joint campaign with BIU Co., Ltd. and Denfare Co., Ltd. also known as Ryoenkai. The promotion offers a discount of approximately ¥11,000 (approx. US$73) on membership fees, from November 18 to December 25, 2024.

IBJ’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach. The company has implemented its unique matchmaking methodology across 4,449 affiliated agencies nationwide. This extensive network, coupled with IBJ’s massive database, allows new members to be swiftly matched with potential partners. Additionally, IBJ has introduced matchmaking counselor certification courses, compiling industry best practices into comprehensive training materials to enhance the quality of support provided by matchmakers.

The “Principle of Successful Marriage”: A Unique Approach to Matchmaking

IBJ, along with BIU and Ryoenkai, advocates the “Principle of Successful Marriage,” which defines a successful match as one that leads to engagement. IBJ decided to partner with these companies because all three of them are aligned in their belief that a successful match culminates in an engagement, rather than just dating.

This approach, trademarked by IBJ in 2015, sets these companies apart by offering comprehensive support from the initial matching stage through to the proposal, unlike some competitors who only assist up to the dating phase.

This commitment to seeing couples through to engagement aligns with their “Principle of Successful Marriage” and distinguishes their services in the matchmaking industry. The joint campaign aims to promote this principle and increase successful matches across all three companies.

To engage the public, the agencies are hosting a social media campaign on their official X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Participants have the chance to win Amazon gift cards worth approximately ¥30,000 (approx. US$200) by participating in the campaign.

Originally published by: PR Times

Global Love Report – October 23rd, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

A new personalized matchmaking agency, Emilie B, was recently established near Lisieux, France, by Emilie Blanche. The agency caters to singles, divorcees, and widows/widowers who are looking for serious and long-term relationships.

After a decade in corporate management, Emilie decided to leave her company and launched this new venture to open a matchmaking agency.

Emilie said that the service process begins with a phone call, followed by a questionnaire to assess client intentions. Emilie then arranges face-to-face meetings lasting 1–1.5 hours. Notably, she doesn’t use photos, focusing instead on personality compatibility.

Emilie B operates within a 50–60 km radius (31-37 miles) of Lisieux, meeting clients in public spaces or their homes. Blanche emphasizes the need for privacy and plans to establish a dedicated meeting space soon.

The agency offers three packages: a “three-meeting” option, and six-month and twelve-month coaching plans. The longer subscriptions provide more intensive support and multiple meetings.

Emilie’s approach prioritizes genuine connections over impersonal virtual meetings. She recognizes that prolonged singlehood can mask underlying loneliness and aims to help clients find meaningful companionship.

Her current focus is on building an extensive database of profiles to offer clients a wide range of potential matches. Future plans include organizing events such as dance parties, game nights, and hikes to foster connections among members in the picturesque Normandy region.

Originally published by: actu.fr

Global Love Report – October 16th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

In Indonesia, matchmaking services have become a popular resource for many seeking help in finding a life partner. Indonesia’s leading news portal, Kompas.com, recently interviewed matchmaker Rastrianez, who is certified by the Global Love Institute. She shared some interesting insights regarding matchmaking in Indonesia. According to Rastrianez, women are most likely to use matchmaking services to find their partners.

She explains that this is because women tend to be more eager to find a life partner compared to men. Women generally want to marry sooner, while men often prefer to focus on their careers first. Before turning to professional matchmakers, many women have tried to find partners on their own, including through dating apps. However, when they don’t find the person they’re looking for, they turn to professional matchmakers.

“So they seek a better alternative by coming to me, hoping to find higher quality matches because they’ve been filtered,” Rastrianez explained.

This observation aligns with her client data, where the average age of female clients ranges from 27 to 35 years old, compared to male clients who are typically between 30 and 40 years old.

Several factors contribute to women’s desire to marry earlier than men in Indonesia. Societal stigma plays a significant role, as unmarried women often face negative perceptions. Furthermore, biological concerns come into play, with women being more aware of their limited fertility window compared to men, who can typically remain fertile into later years.

Originally published by: Kompas.com

Global Love Report – August 21st, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

Finding a life partner in today’s fast-paced world is not an easy task. Social circles shrink, and busy work schedules make it harder to meet potential partners. This is where innovative matchmaking services like Blind Date Indonesia come into play.

Despite being less than a year old, Blind Date Indonesia has quickly become a popular organizer that arranges blind date events across various Indonesian cities, including Solo, Jakarta, and most recently, Malang.

Mahathir Al Afghani Al, the founder of Blind Date Indonesia, shared some impressive statistics about their services. Their most popular event in Jakarta attracted a staggering 4,000 registrants, highlighting the demand for such services. To incentivize successful matches, the organizer even offers financial assistance for wedding ceremonies to couples who find their partners through their events.

Recently, the organizer’s sixth event, held at Chatten Cafe in Batu City, Malang, showcased their growing popularity. Within just two weeks of opening registrations, over 200 applicants from the Greater Malang area and surrounding regions submitted their forms. From this applicant pool, 10 people were carefully selected to participate in the live blind date event.

The organizers matched participants according to their respective criteria. The event begins with blindfolded conversations, allowing participants to establish a connection without considering physical appearance. This approach emphasizes personality and compatibility over superficial factors.

Following the initial blindfolded interaction, participants remove their blindfolds and continue their conversations face-to-face. The event then progresses to a dinner session and various group activities, providing multiple opportunities for participants to interact and potentially form meaningful connections.

The organizer caters to a specific demographic, typically attracting participants between 25 and 46 years old. Al noted, “Our participants usually have stable financial and mental readiness. Most are working professionals who can afford the fee to participate in the live blind date event after being selected.” This focus on mature, established individuals increases the likelihood of successful, long-term matches.

Originally published by: AdadiMalang.com

Global Love Report – August 14th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

Matchmaking agencies face competition from dating apps that have revolutionized how people connect and find love. Despite this tough competition, many agencies are innovating and complementing their traditional methods. One such matchmaking agency in Spain is Lazos, led by Alicia López, a psychologist specializing in couples therapy. López explains that their clients range widely in age and needs, from young people aged 21 to 30 seeking stable relationships, individuals aged 45 to 55 looking to rebuild their love lives after divorce, to those over 55 seeking companionship and new experiences.

Lazos has agencies throughout Spain with approximately 25,000 members in total. They opened their branch in the city of Leon 3 years ago, due to high demand. Currently, the Leon branch has around 2,000 to 3,000 members. In this interview, Alicia also mentions that they have a success rate of 80%.

Lazos offers a unique service with a registration fee of 1,800 euros, providing unlimited membership and allowing clients to meet new people throughout their lives. This payment structure ensures users are committed to finding serious relationships.

Originally published by: Leonoticias

Global Love Report – August 7th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

Matchmaking agencies in France are experiencing a revival as people seek alternatives to dating apps. People are increasingly drawn to matchmaking services for genuine connections, privacy, and a structured approach to finding love. The successes of agencies like Valérie Périnel’s in Rhône-Alpes, Elite Connexion by Guerda de Haan, and Aurélie Lachaud’s Fidelio reflect this resurgence in traditional matchmaking. 

Matchmaking Agency by Valérie Périnel

Valérie Périnel, who runs an agency in Rhône-Alpes, has seen an increase in requests from people who are tired of scams, false profiles, and married people on dating sites. Her agency now has about 300 members between the ages of 28 and 85.

The agency charges €1,420 ($1,550) for a six-month contract and €1,980 ($2,160) for a one-year contract. Discounts of up to 50% are available for clients with lower incomes and those under 30.

Elite Connexion by Guerda de Haan

Similarly, Guerda de Haan founded Elite Connexion, a high-end agency in the Paris suburbs, in 2006. The agency has 300 members and they successfully match two to three couples per month. De Haan’s matchmaking method ensures confidentiality by sharing profiles without photos. She also offers additional services like makeovers and couple therapy to ensure successful matching.

Elite Connexion’s clientele consists of 70% company directors, 20% professionals (such as lawyers and doctors), and 10% senior executives, artists, or showbiz workers. They charge between €3,500 ($3,820) and €11,900 ($13,000), catering primarily to business leaders, professionals, and VIPs. For younger clients, only executives are accepted. 

Fidelio by Aurélie Lachaud

Lastly, Aurélie Lachaud, director of the Fidelio agency in Dijon, emphasizes the need for a thorough first meeting with a potential client, to understand them better and to determine whether they’re ready to move to the next stage. Her agency offers six-month memberships for €990 ($1,080) and one-year memberships for €1,500 ($1,640).

Originally published by: Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA)

Global Love Report – July 17th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

A recent study by Parship.at, an online dating agency based in Austria, reveals that 2.3 million Austrians have found love through the internet, whether via websites, social media, or dating apps. The data shows that 1.5 million people have moved in with someone they met through an online date, 450,000 have gotten married, and 350,000 children have been born to online couples. 

​​Over the past 20 years, online dating has significantly changed how Austrians meet their partners. Currently, 35% of all couples in the country have met online. The study, conducted by marketagent.com in May 2024, surveyed 1,560 Austrians aged 18 to 75 and revealed that nearly half of the population has met someone online for a date. 

The success of online dating in Austria is attributed to the compatibility of people with similar interests and lifestyles, as well as the ease of approaching someone over the internet. 

Originally published by: OTS

Global Love Report – July 10th, 2024
English summary by Margaret W

A new dating site, La Femme de ton chef, has been launched in France to connect women with police officers and military personnel. Designed by Clémence Henri, the platform aims to foster sincere and lasting relationships for men in these professions. Unlike traditional dating apps, the site emphasizes security and anonymity, with profiles selected by the founder herself.

Clémence Henri, married to an army officer, was inspired to create the platform after receiving requests from military personnel seeking partners. The platform allows women to contact up to three men per week, with a small fee required to ensure serious inquiries. Man charges 89 Euros (US$95) to submit a profile, while women pay 4.99 Euros (US$5.30) per profile viewed.

Exclusively designed for women, the platform provides them with descriptions of vetted men, without photos. Henri emphasizes that although there are no photos and the process is anonymous, she knows the men she presents, which adds a level of sincerity to the profiles.

Currently, the platform focuses on heterosexual matches because Henri selects the profiles herself and has experience primarily with heterosexual relationships. However, there is potential for expansion in the future. The platform aims to provide a more controlled alternative to mainstream dating apps by offering handpicked profiles to minimize unexpected outcomes. While Henri doesn’t guarantee that every man who submits a profile will find a match, several couples introduced through her platform have gone on to get married.

Originally published by: BFMTV.com