Lolly is a Gen-Z dating app built around short-form video: users upload videos into a feed, scroll, 'clap' on videos and later 'crush' to match via what the company calls a non-binary matching model. The app went live in December and was founded by 21-year-old Marc Baghadijian and NYU grad Sacha Schermerhorn, who left a PhD path to pursue the product. The founders position the product as a TikTok-meets-Tinder experience, arguing video better showcases personality than photos. Lolly aims to appeal to Gen-Z users who expect video-first interactions and to offer an alternative to older swipe apps. Financially, the company closed a $1.1 million seed round, with participation from several angel and VC backers. The product and its early fundraising reflect a student-funded, campus-focused origin and a go-to-market leaning on college networks.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Feb 2021