Entrepreneurs with ambitions to build the next big dating platform are being offered a fast-track route from concept to creation thanks to a new incubator program launched by dating industry pioneer Nikki Wake.
The initiative promises to help founders turn their dating app ideas into live products in as little as three months, providing an end-to-end framework covering audience strategy, app development, funding, marketing, and launch.
Wake, who has over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and is recognized as one of the UK's most prominent voices in the dating and events industries, describes the incubator as a “clear, cost-effective route for founders to enter a fast-growing market with expert guidance and proven technology.”
Under the model, entrepreneurs retain full ownership of their brand while receiving practical consultation, technical expertise and ongoing post-launch support.
The launch follows Wake's acquisition of M14 Industries, a white-label dating platform that has operated several specialist dating communities. Wake has used the platform to run her own ventures since 2022 – including SoberLove, Chapter 2 Dating and Widows Fire – all targeting specific communities and life stages.
Now, she's opening up access to that same platform and expertise to a new generation of founders.
“This is a simple, cost-effective solution for budding entrepreneurs or community leaders who want to monetize their audience,” Wake said. “Instead of starting from scratch with a developer, they get access to a tried-and-tested model, plus the benefit of my experience in building three successful dating tech startups.”
Wake emphasized that the incubator differs from typical tech accelerators because it is industry-specific – designed for founders entering the competitive and fast-evolving dating sector.
“I believe the future of dating is not in trying to compete with giants like Bumble or Hinge,” he said. “It's in creating niche apps that serve defined communities – places where people can connect based on shared experiences, lifestyles and values.”
The dating app industry, estimated to be worth more than £6.5 billion globally, has seen a notable shift towards niche and community-driven platforms. According to industry analysts, apps targeting specific audiences – from sober singles and professionals to hobbyists and people over 50 – have shown faster growth and stronger retention than generalist platforms.
Wake's incubator aims to harness that momentum by lowering the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs who may have an engaged audience or strong idea but lack the technical infrastructure or funding expertise to launch.
“Launching a dating app shouldn't be out of reach,” Wake said. “This incubator makes it achievable, accessible and really exciting – opening the door to a new wave of niche dating apps that help people connect in more meaningful ways.”
A serial entrepreneur, Wake has over 20 years of experience in media, live events, and online communities. She is the founder of several dating and networking platforms and is widely recognized as a leading figure in the UK dating technology sector. Their ventures to promote inclusivity, community, and emotional well-being in modern dating have received national media attention.
With the new incubator, Wake hopes to “democratize” access to the dating app industry – helping creators, community leaders and digital entrepreneurs turn their ideas into commercially viable platforms that meet people's real-world needs.
jamie young
Jamie is a senior reporter at Business Matters, with over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie has a degree in Business Administration and regularly attends industry conferences and workshops. When Jamie is not reporting on the latest business developments, he is passionate about mentoring budding journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
