A Stanford grad student created an algorithm to help his classmates find love; now, Date Drop is the basis of his new startup | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Amanda Silberling

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A Stanford graduate student named Henry Weng has developed Date Drop, a unique dating service designed specifically for university students. Unlike traditional dating apps like Tinder, Date Drop pairs users weekly based on detailed questionnaires and open-ended responses, aiming to foster meaningful connections. The platform has gained significant traction, with over 5,000 Stanford students trying it since its launch and expansions to top institutions like MIT and UPenn. Weng’s startup, The Relationship Company, operates as a public benefit corporation, emphasizing both social impact and profit. Date Drop stands out for its higher conversion rate—10 times that of Tinder—which Weng attributes to its deeper understanding of user preferences through thorough data collection. This includes open-ended responses, voice conversations, and real-world outcome analysis. The algorithm focuses on compatibility for long-term relationships, aligning with the majority of users who seek meaningful connections. Weng, a computer science master’s student, founded Date Drop initially as a campus project but expanded it into a broader startup after seeing its success. The service reflects Weng’s academic focus on matching theory and its applications in various aspects of life, from relationships to education and employment. His vision for The Relationship Company extends beyond dating, aiming to facilitate friendships, professional networks, and community connections. By addressing the disillusionment with traditional online dating, Date Drop offers a fresh approach to fostering meaningful relationships, making it a notable innovation in tech and startups. This matters because it challenges the status quo of online dating, which often prioritizes convenience over depth. By focusing on genuine compatibility and long-term connections, Date Drop taps into a growing desire for more meaningful interactions. Its success could pave the way for new approaches in both dating and broader social networking, making it a significant development in tech.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/13/2026