Interview with Anastasia Maisuradze: SoulMatcher After the Management Buyout and the Future of Global Matchmaking

Interviewer: Anastasia, it recently became public that you acquired and took over SoulMatcher following a management buyout. What was behind this decision, and what does it mean for the company?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
At the end of 2025, the management team reached an agreement to acquire SoulMatcher from its previous owners — a classic management buyout, where the people running the company take ownership of it. This decision didn’t happen overnight. For a long time, we felt that if SoulMatcher was going to grow in the direction we truly believed in, we needed full autonomy in decision-making.

Soulmatcher.app is very much a product of our team. We’ve always believed in its mission, but to fully realize that vision, we needed freedom — strategic, operational, and creative. Now that the deal is complete and the company is officially in the hands of its management, I feel a strong sense of responsibility, but also genuine excitement.

For our users, this means something very tangible: a clearer, more consistent strategy. We can move faster, implement ideas without friction, and focus first and foremost on the values of our community rather than external directives.

Interviewer: A management buyout is never simple. Was it a difficult decision for you personally?

Anastasia Maisuradze: Absolutely. It was a long and demanding process that required careful planning. For several months, we weighed every scenario, consulted with shareholders, and worked through the financial structure in detail. But our belief in the product ultimately outweighed the risks.

We successfully closed the deal by the end of 2025, and today I can say with confidence that SoulMatcher is entering a new chapter. For me personally, it’s one of the most significant moments in my career — a real stress test. But I’m convinced this step will benefit both the company and our users in the long run.

Interviewer: Let’s talk about SoulMatcher itself. How does it fundamentally differ from mainstream dating apps like Tinder or Bumble? You often describe it not as an online dating app, but as a premium offline matchmaking service. What does that mean in practice?

Anastasia Maisuradze: The difference is substantial. SoulMatcher is essentially a private matchmaking club for people who are serious about relationships — just delivered through a modern app.

There’s no endless left-right swiping. Instead, we focus on thoughtful, personalized matching and bringing people to real-life meetings. First, SoulMatcher was built from the start as an invitation-based premium community with strict moderation. Every applicant goes through identity verification and profile evaluation before gaining access. In many ways, it’s similar to receiving a personal invitation to a private members’ club — one where quality of connections matters more than volume.

Second, we operate on a paid membership model. That barrier filters out casual users and ensures that people inside the community are genuinely invested in finding a partner.

Most importantly, we deliberately avoid superficial matching. SoulMatcher combines psychological methodologies with AI to identify deep compatibility — not just visual attraction. Each profile includes a psychological portrait alongside photos. Our algorithms take into account empathy levels, narcissistic tendencies, emotional maturity, and other traits that are critical for long-term relationships. This allows us to screen out toxic behaviors — such as manipulation or habitual ghosting — already at the matching stage.

And finally, we are deeply offline-oriented where it matters most. Our goal is not to keep people chatting indefinitely but to help them meet in real life. If two people match, we actively work toward making that meeting happen. Through our VIP Matchmaker Concierge service, a personal matchmaker not only selects a compatible partner but also helps organize the date — from choosing the location to planning the details. An offline meeting is a mandatory part of that service.

We believe chemistry can only be tested in real life. Body language, eye contact, presence — none of that translates through text. Online interaction is just the prologue. We don’t want connections to get stuck in endless messaging.

So in a nutshell, the difference between SoulMatcher and typical dating apps lies in how connections are fostered. Instead of endless swiping, the focus is on thoughtful, curated introductions. For anyone exploring the platform, whether via soulmatcher.app on iOS or soulmatcher.app on Android, it becomes immediately apparent how the process emphasizes depth and compatibility over quantity.

Interviewer: So instead of dozens of random matches, users get one genuinely compatible person?

Anastasia Maisuradze: Exactly. We consciously moved away from the illusion of infinite choice. Our philosophy is quality over quantity.

Swipe fatigue is very real — especially among Gen Z, but not only them. Research shows that up to 79% of users aged 18–25 experience emotional burnout from traditional dating apps. People spend hours chatting, face ghosting or rudeness, and eventually disengage.

SoulMatcher is designed as a personal assistant for love. Our algorithms and human team do the pre-selection and present only a small number of candidates — but each one is carefully vetted for compatibility. Within our exclusive SoulMatcher Club, users receive no more than one truly suitable match per month, but with a high likelihood of mutual interest.

In essence, we save people time and emotional energy. You don’t need to constantly monitor an app. Live your life — and when the right person appears, we’ll introduce you. We even assist with logistics: our concierge can arrange the meeting, book a restaurant, suggest date ideas. It’s very close to the way traditional high-end matchmaking agencies work, but updated for a digital era.

Our community is international and diverse. Among our members are entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, athletes, and public figures. What unites them is a serious approach to relationships and a strong need for privacy. For busy, high-expectation clients, this format is often a perfect fit.

Interviewer: You mentioned an international community. How do you see the future of global matchmaking, especially as cross-border relationships become more common?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
The world is becoming more interconnected, and love is no exception. There’s enormous potential in international matchmaking, but also real challenges.

Technology removes geographic barriers — video calls and digital platforms make it easy to connect across borders. But cultural differences and physical distance still matter, especially when people are thinking about long-term commitment or family.

I believe successful global matchmaking requires a combination of technology and local expertise. At SoulMatcher, our AI evaluates psychological compatibility in a universal way, regardless of nationality. An emotionally mature, empathetic person in Europe can genuinely connect with someone equally empathetic in Asia — shared values often run deeper than cultural differences.

That said, technology alone isn’t enough. You need local understanding — traditions, expectations, social norms. That’s why we’re building a global network of professional matchmakers. We already work with partners in multiple countries who understand their regions intimately.

SoulMatcher is available worldwide, with a multilingual platform, and we’re launching a collaboration program with local agencies and independent matchmakers. We call this ecosystem Matcher 2.0 — a unified system connecting matchmakers, coaches, and psychologists across countries. They receive our technological tools, such as an AI-powered CRM and access to a global client base, while we benefit from their human insight and regional presence.

This model allows us to connect people across continents — for example, a doctor in London meeting an architect in Istanbul or an artist in Tokyo — and help organize real-life meetings. Our VIP concierge also assists with logistics like travel planning and expectations around costs.

Ultimately, my goal is for SoulMatcher to become a bridge between cultures — a place where love truly has no borders.

Interviewer: Does that mean SoulMatcher is planning ambitious global expansion?

Anastasia Maisuradze: I’d call it global partnership rather than expansion. From the beginning in 2023, we launched as an international product with multiple interface languages. Today, we see the strongest traction in Europe, North America, the UK, Asia, and among globally minded professionals.

Next, we plan to strengthen our presence in the Middle East and parts of Asia, where there’s growing demand for private, premium matchmaking. We’ll continue working with local experts and adapting to cultural specifics while staying true to our core philosophy.

On the technology side, we’re continuously refining our AI matching algorithms. Last year, we introduced a psychological compatibility index — a relationship quality score that helps users understand why a particular match is recommended. We’re also exploring new research-based tools, including experimental modules like Psy-DNA, which analyzes deeper personality tendencies.

At the same time, we never forget that behind every data point is a real person. That’s why the human layer — psychologists, matchmakers, and support teams — remains essential. I strongly believe the future lies in this hybrid approach: AI combined with human empathy.

Interviewer: Now that SoulMatcher is fully under your leadership, what is your long-term strategy?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
We have a very clear roadmap. First, international partnerships — ensuring that in every key market, SoulMatcher has trusted local experts who can support users both technologically and personally.

Second, product development. We release updates roughly once a month, focusing on functionality and security. We’re currently working on features like 360-degree feedback, where users can optionally receive anonymous insights from former partners or close friends to increase self-awareness. We’re also exploring an AI-based psychological assistant to help users navigate conversations or manage pre-date anxiety.

Our goal is to make SoulMatcher not just a dating app, but a full relationship-building assistant.

Third, adjacent products. Our psychological technology has already been adapted for other fields — for example, PSY HR for recruitment and PSY Visor Cam for event security. These solutions strengthen the company’s sustainability, although our core focus remains matchmaking.

And finally, trust and community. SoulMatcher operates in a deeply personal space, so privacy and safety are non-negotiable. Data encryption, manual moderation, strict community rules — all of this is foundational. We also plan to develop offline community experiences: private events, workshops, and club evenings in major cities. We’re not just building a service — we’re building a community of people who believe in conscious, meaningful relationships.

Interviewer: Tell us a bit about your personal journey. How did you come to build SoulMatcher?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
My path wasn’t a conventional one. I’m not a trained psychologist. Before SoulMatcher, my background was in communications. Psychology started as a personal interest — I read extensively, observed people, and tried to understand how relationships actually work.

Eventually, that interest turned into writing. I became a columnist, writing about relationships and psychology, which helped me approach the topic more systematically.

SoulMatcher emerged as a team-driven product from the very beginning. We had people with diverse professional backgrounds, and that diversity shaped the service into something both technological and deeply human.

In just two years, SoulMatcher grew from an idea into an international platform with thousands of users — over 10,000 downloads on Android alone. There were challenges and mistakes, as with any growing product. But those experiences turned out to be the most valuable lessons.

Interviewer: What personally motivates you to keep building SoulMatcher in such a competitive space?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
The stories of our couples. Every message from people who found each other through SoulMatcher gives me chills. Recently, a man from Germany wrote to tell us he met his partner from Warsaw through our app. They spent a year in a long-distance relationship and got married this spring. Stories like that make every late night worth it.

I’m also motivated by the idea of change. Dating apps are often dismissed as superficial entertainment. I want to challenge that perception and show that technology can support meaningful human connection.

And, of course, my team. Psychologists, developers, matchmakers — people who truly care. For them, SoulMatcher isn’t just a business. It’s a mission. With a team like that, even the biggest challenges feel achievable.

Interviewer: Finally, what would you say to people who feel disillusioned with dating and hesitate to try something new like SoulMatcher?

Anastasia Maisuradze:
Don’t lose faith. Dating today often feels like fast food — quick, disposable, exhausting. But the need for real connection hasn’t disappeared.

If you’re tired of swiping and random encounters, try a different pace. SoulMatcher is about intention and personal attention. We slow things down and say: pause, breathe, let’s find the right person for you.

Our motto is “Love is a verb.” It requires action — reflection, openness, and sometimes a willingness to try something new. We’re here to make that journey more thoughtful and supportive.

Love is real. Sometimes it just needs a bit of professional help. And we’re happy to offer that.

Interviewer: Thank you, Anastasia. We wish you and SoulMatcher every success.

Anastasia Maisuradze: Thank you. We’ll do our best — and keep connecting hearts around the world.