Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in online dating but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elaine Parker, Founder & CEO of Safer Date, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Safer Date is the safest dating app in the world which identifies everyone to eliminate fake profiles, catfish, and scammers, and which offers the most comprehensive global criminal background checks possible. We also have loads of other great features to provide a much better online dating experience, including icebreaker questions, no tie-in period, and we even filter out obscene messages and images too. Safer Date is for everyone over the age of 18. It is currently only available in the UK but will be available around the world very soon.
Tell us about yourself
I have a background in tech and run my own web development company, but after a horrendous experience at the hands of a monster I met on a very well-known dating app, I decided to take on the industry to protect people. The guy I met had a long history of domestic abuse. In fact, he has now been convicted of stalking, harassment, sexual assault, attempted rape, and rape. He is on the sex offender's register for life, but there's nothing to stop him from dating online again when he is released from prison later in 2023. There are no legal standards for the dating industry, and so many criminals like him are dating freely online. People are being hurt every day, and this has to change. Safer Date is now my mission in life. I want to protect people from online predators by raising awareness and by providing a safer way for people to meet online, where you always know exactly who you're chatting to. Protecting people around the world motivates me every single day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am a woman with a tech business. This puts me at the back of the queue for so many very wrong and antiquated reasons. However, against all odds, I have stood up for what I believe in, got investment, created a brilliant business and app, and am protecting people. I have turned a horrendous experience into something positive to help others, and I am very proud of that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about running your own business is the hours you have to put in. You have to be willing to work harder than you've ever worked before, and you have to be very resilient, as there will be lots of ups and downs!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are:
- Don't be afraid to start! If you've got an idea for a new business, you've done your research, and you think it can work - go for it! You'd kick yourself if you didn't try, and someone else beat you to it in the future.
- Grow your network & connect with other entrepreneurs. When you start a new business, you will need a network of people around you for advice and support and to help get your idea out there. Being an entrepreneur can feel lonely sometimes, but having the right network around you really helps.
- Apply to local Accelerator Programs. There are various accelerators that you can apply for. These are brilliant for giving you the knowledge and support you need and for helping you to navigate the crazy start-up world. I am part of the Natwest Accelerator and also the Ignite Pre-Accelerator, and both are fantastic.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://saferdate.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safedatesuk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferdateltd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaferDate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safer-date/
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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