Start With Attraction

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dating but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Igor Khalatian, Founder & CEO of Iris Dating, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Iris Dating is the next-generation dating app that utilizes artificial intelligence to change the way people date. Instead of spending hours manually searching for a partner, users can now delegate the search to an AI assistant. Just like OpenAI is focused on developing AI that can communicate like humans, similarly, Iris has created AI tools to understand your preferences. Also, we prioritize the safety and authenticity of our users. To accomplish this, we require every user to selfie-verify their profile picture. This allows us to effectively distinguish real profiles from fake ones, eliminating the risk of catfishing and ensuring a trustworthy and secure environment for our users to connect and find love.

Our customers are individuals who are tired of swiping through endless profiles and are looking for a more personalized dating experience and approach to finding a romantic partner. Our advanced three-phase training process is designed to understand who you find attractive, allowing us to recommend compatible partners that go beyond just mutual interests and proximity. As you keep using iris, our AI technology continues to get to know you better, leading to even more compatible matches over time.

Tell us about yourself

As a lifelong tech enthusiast and one of the youngest individuals to hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, I have extensive experience in the industry. Prior to starting my own ventures, I worked at technology development companies such as AT&T Bell Labs, where I honed my skills in development and innovation. My most recent company was acquired by Oracle Corporation, where I worked as the Vice President of Development.

My latest project, iris Dating, was born out of my fascination with the potential of Artificial Intelligence to understand who you find attractive. The idea captured my imagination, and I was driven to bring it to life. I wondered if I could create a dating app that could effectively build an AI clone that understood what facial features a person finds most attractive in another person – a clone that could scan a million people in minutes and zone in on the few who fit a person's type.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Climbing a mountain and starting a business share many parallels. Both require perseverance, an ability to break down challenges into smaller, manageable tasks, and an acceptance of risk. There is no such thing as a risk-free climb or business venture. During my ascent of Mount Everest, my goal was to reach Camp 1, so I focused on what was achievable. As I reached that objective, I set my sights on Camp 2. I never lost sight of my ultimate goal, but I approached it step by step. The same approach applies to starting a business. You must break down your tasks into manageable pieces and accept the inherent risks involved.

As a founder and leader, it's important to remember that your team members are partners in your business, not just employees. Encourage your team to see the company as a shared venture and align your goals, mindsets, and values with increasing the chances of success. I firmly believe that success is not about outperforming others but about continuously striving to improve oneself. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career and continues to drive me forward.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, my passion lies in creating businesses that leverage cutting-edge technology. The biggest challenge I face is effectively communicating the value of our innovative solutions, but once understood, they are well-received. The Iris App, for example, utilizes Artificial Intelligence to continuously improve user experience. A key differentiator of our product is its ability to learn and adapt through consistent use. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have learned the importance of maintaining focus and fostering a strong team dynamic. These are essential ingredients for success in any venture.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Test, Measure, Repeat. Startups have the advantage of being agile and nimble, allowing them to quickly bring an MVP to market, gather customer feedback, and make iterations until the product is refined. This mindset and approach can also be embraced by larger companies by streamlining processes, reducing non-essential meetings, and prioritizing hands-on product development.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.irisdating.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris_dating/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/irisDating
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorkhalatian/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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