Be part of the next generation of conversational intelligence in online dating
We offer internships building real AI, right at the edge of the latest trends. It's remote-first, and our mentors are based in Auckland, so we're always up for in-person sessions and happy to travel elsewhere in New Zealand when it helps.
What we're about
Our mission. Dating apps solved the match and gave up on the conversation. Only around 7% of men's matches and 21% of women's ever get a first message, the rest die at the blank screen. That's a structural gap in a US$9 billion market that no one has fixed from inside the moment it happens. We're building the AI that does, and there's a lot still to build.
How we work. We're a lean team, so ideas win on merit, not job title, and the work you do is real, never busywork. We move fast, we give feedback both ways, and we genuinely want to help the next generation of builders grow. You suggest, you ship, you learn.
Pick your track
Tap a track below to see exactly what you'd build and what you'd walk away knowing. We scope the project to your strengths and your course.
Engineering & AI+
You'd build: a real feature in the iPhone, Android or web app, or an improvement to the AI that suggests replies inside a live chat. Think a new onboarding screen, a smarter “Stuck?” suggestion, or a faster-loading chat.
You'd walk away knowing: how an app is built and shipped on a serverless Amazon Web Services backend, how to prompt and wire up a large language model (Anthropic's Claude), and the daily craft of real engineering, Git, code review, testing and shipping to users.
Data & analytics+
You'd build: tracking for the moments that matter, sign-up, first message, using a suggestion, subscribing, and a dashboard the founders actually check each day.
You'd walk away knowing: how to instrument a live app, model data cleanly, and turn raw numbers into a clear recommendation the team acts on that week.
Marketing & content+
You'd build: short-form video for TikTok and Instagram you script, shoot and edit yourself, plus a small campaign you run end to end.
You'd walk away knowing: the full content loop, idea to post to analysis, what actually drives sign-ups, and how marketing and product decisions connect at an early-stage company.
Design & UX+
You'd build: a real feature from idea to interface in Figma, the screens, the states, the details, then refine it with engineers as it ships.
You'd walk away knowing: the product design process for a live app, how to work inside a design system, and how to design for real users rather than a class brief.
Built in New Zealand, building for the world
For its size, New Zealand produces an outsized number of global companies. Rocket Lab, Xero, Halter and Sharesies all started small here. We're at the very start of that road: a tiny team with big ambition. Joining now means real ownership and a front-row seat as we build, alongside people from different backgrounds, which for a product about human connection is a genuine edge.
Why it's worth your time
AI is here to stay, and we want to be on the front foot with the next generation of New Zealanders. The best way to learn it is to build it for real, and the numbers back that up:
Australian graduates land a job through their work placement, with the host employer or a contact they made on it.
core employability skills improve measurably after a real placement, across studies of tens of thousands of graduates.
across Australia and New Zealand now build in work placements, because hands-on beats theory.
How we support you
- Direct mentorship from the founders, not a layer of managers.
- Real ownership of a scoped project you can be proud of.
- A reference and a portfolio piece you can point to, with our sign-off.
- Remote-first and flexible around study.
- We work with your institute on the placement: a scoped project brief, a named supervisor, and regular check-ins for your assessment.
Just so you know
This is an internship, a volunteer role while we are pre-launch, so it does not come with a salary. Many students do it through their institute for course credit. In return you get real work on a live product, proper mentorship, and something genuinely cool to show for it.
We are New Zealand-first for now and will open up to students overseas as we grow. If you are abroad and keen, say hi anyway and we will keep you in mind.
Common questions
Do I need to be in Auckland?+
No. We're remote-first across New Zealand. Our mentors are in Auckland, so we can meet in person, and we'll travel elsewhere in New Zealand when it helps.
Is it paid?+
It is an internship, so no. Most placements run through your institute for course credit. You get real work, mentorship and a portfolio piece rather than a pay cheque.
How many hours?+
Whatever your placement or course requires. We're flexible and we'll fit around your study.
What do I need to apply?+
Just email a few lines about you and what you'd like to work on. No polished CV needed to start a conversation.
Can I apply from overseas?+
We're focused on New Zealand for now and plan to open up internationally as we grow. Get in touch and we'll keep you posted.
For universities & placement coordinators
We host students through university placements and capstone projects. We are happy to provide a scoped project brief, a named supervisor, and to align with your placement and assessment requirements. We would love to talk about hosting a student in an upcoming cycle.
Interested?
Tell us a bit about you and what you'd like to work on. Every message gets a reply.
Want a bigger role than a placement? See our open roles. Curious about us? Read our story.