Startup Originals Team
A new Indian matrimonial app, Knot.dating, is shaking up the traditional matchmaking landscape with a uniquely ambitious approach-only men earning ₹50 lakh or more per year are allowed to register. As this bold filter sparks debates and unexpected trends, the app is rewriting the usual matchmaking script.
How Knot.dating Works and What Sets It Apart:
Knot.dating is not your usual swipe-based dating app. Founded by Jasveer Singh and Abhishek Asthana, it’s a platform designed for India’s top one percent-professionals who are serious about marriage, not casual dating. The eligibility rule is strikingly clear: men must prove an annual income of ₹50 lakh or higher, while there is no salary requirement for women.
The platform integrates conversational AI and human-assisted matchmaking, focusing on users’ emotional compatibility, personality nuances, and communication styles. Instead of lengthy forms, users speak to the AI, which captures key traits in minutes, aiming to produce high-quality, compatible matches.
The Logic Behind the Income Filter:
According to co-founder Jasveer Singh, the high income filter is about ambition and clarity, rather than just money. He argued that “₹50 lakh is that line in the sand. It tells you something about who someone is, how they think, and where they’re headed.” The requirement was also intended to create less “noise” and more focused matchmaking for women on the app.
Early User Trends: More Women Are Being Rejected
Surprisingly, this strict income criteria for men has resulted in an unexpected imbalance: women now make up 68% of the user base, while men account for just 32%. Reports suggest that more women are now facing rejection as fewer men meet the income bar, flipping the conventional narrative of matchmaking platforms where women typically report higher rejection rates.
Public Reaction and Criticism:
The app has triggered lively debate on social media. Some users have criticized Knot.dating for encouraging materialistic attitudes or “gold digging,” while others appreciate its straightforward, ambition-focused concept. The strong filter is seen by many as a way to avoid endless scrolling and mismatches, but it has also sparked questions about fairness and whether such narrow criteria truly lead to better relationships.
Features and Onboarding:
Knot.dating offers a premium feel with distinct features: every user undergoes 100% background verification and gains access to personal relationship managers. The app is available on Android, iOS, and web platforms, aiming for a spam-free, serious matchmaking experience.
Conclusion: Changing Dynamics in Indian Matchmaking
Knot.dating’s “₹50 lakh men only” policy is creating new and unexpected matchmaking dynamics in India. As the platform grows, it will be interesting to watch if the model leads to stronger, more targeted matches-or sets off further debates about eligibility, ambition, and equity in modern relationships.
