Introducing Drybaby, the innovative dating app tailor-made for individuals who are either sober or looking to curb their alcohol intake.
This platform comes at a time when 41% of Americans are embracing the “sober curious” trend by scaling back on alcohol consumption. The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is showing significant interest in this movement, with 61% of them planning to cut down on alcohol, as per a recent study by NCSolutions.
Drybaby stands out by promoting in-person dating experiences that revolve around alcohol-free socializing to foster a sense of community. Its key feature is the community section, where users can connect and discover events to share.
The app has already teamed up with New York City-based companies like Reading Rhythms for reading parties, Storytell for real-life gatherings, and The Feels for mindful events aimed at singles. More events are scheduled for the fall, including an alcohol-free dance and event tour.
Drybaby also offers a text-based weekly newsletter called Drybaby Drop to highlight local events tailored to a sober lifestyle. Users can also access an in-app weekly calendar showcasing additional alcohol-free activities in their area.
Co-founder and CEO John Calaba explained, “We noticed a significant, underserved community of individuals seeking to connect and engage in [alcohol-free] activities together. There’s a lack of guidance on alternative social activities outside of traditional bars.”
Calaba leads a diverse founding team with former employees from top tech companies. Additionally, Dominic Galleleo, former CMO of Bumble, serves as Drybaby’s growth advisor.
Drybaby joins a mix of established and emerging sober dating startups like CASL, Loosid, and Sober Grid. A notable addition to the market is Club Pillar, an exclusive sober dating app with a monthly subscription fee of up to $50.
Unlike its counterparts, Drybaby is free and welcomes users with various levels of sobriety. It caters to individuals who are “California sober” (cannabis users but abstain from other substances) or mindful drinkers interested in exploring alcohol-free events locally.
Calaba emphasized, “Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment for individuals to venture into alcohol-free socializing. While it may be intimidating initially, we believe we’ve created a safe, enjoyable, supportive, and genuine atmosphere for people to dip their toes into it.”
The iOS app is currently accessible in Los Angeles and New York City, with plans to expand to cities like Denver and Boulder, Colorado in the near future. An Android version is also in development.
While primarily self-funded, Drybaby is actively seeking seed funding. The exact amount and participating investors remain undisclosed.
