Raya

Raya

Exclusive dating and networking for creatives.

Overview

Raya is a private, membership-based app for people in creative industries to date, network, and make friends. It runs on iOS with a subscription model (standard and premium) and may host member events, with revenue from monthly fees. Applications are vetted by an anonymous global committee and require a current member referral, with very selective acceptance; profiles are linked to Instagram and shown as a photo montage set to a chosen song. The app offers a nearby-members map and a searchable directory for professional connections while enforcing privacy, such as banning screenshots, to create a discreet, high-profile community.

Significant Headcount Growth

About Raya

Simplify's Rating
Why Raya is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consumer Software

Entertainment

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2015

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The Wall Street Journal reported 2.5 million waitlisted applicants in August 2025.
  • Membership still charges $24.99 monthly, with Raya+ at $49.99 in 2026.
  • Celebrity visibility keeps word-of-mouth marketing free and culturally relevant through 2026.

What critics are saying

  • The App Store now shows many paid add-ons, diluting premium scarcity by 2026.
  • 2.5 million waitlisted applicants create frustration while Hinge and Tinder dominate discovery.
  • Existentially, creator-network fatigue destroys Raya's brand if celebrities leave by 2027.

What makes Raya unique

  • Raya's invite-only committee and 8% acceptance rate preserve elite scarcity.
  • The app combines dating, networking, and friendship inside one curated community.
  • iPhone-only access and Instagram-linked profiles reinforce privacy and status signaling.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Stock Options

401(k) Retirement Plan

Gym Membership

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Company Equity

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

48%

1 year growth

48%

2 year growth

50%
The Sun
Apr 29th, 2024
Who is Scott Sinclair's mystery woman and how did they meet?

The Sun revealed that Scott had joined exclusive dating app Raya loved by celebs.

KPC News
Feb 25th, 2024
Kim Petras bemoans 'double standards' in the music business

Bad Bunny has joined exclusive dating app Raya following his...

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