Making new friends as an adult is a notorious challenge, particularly after relocating to a new city. To bridge this gap, the European-founded app Les Amis has officially launched in New York, bringing its unique AI-driven social matching platform to the U.S. market.
Founded in 2022 by Anna Bilych (formerly of PayPal) and Oleg Pashinin (formerly of Google AI), the app was born out of personal experience. After struggling to rebuild her own social circle following a move, Bilych developed Les Amis to facilitate genuine connections for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals, primarily aged 25 to 45.
How the AI Matching System Works
Les Amis utilizes a proprietary AI assistant named “Amis” to streamline the matching process. Similar to common dating app interfaces, users create profiles featuring photos, bios, and a curated list of interests—ranging from pottery and Pilates to martial arts and poetry.
The system operates on a bi-weekly cycle. Every two weeks, the AI evaluates shared interests and life stages—such as career field, marital status, or motherhood—to pair users with compatible potential friends. These matches are finalized on Mondays, providing users with a dedicated window to coordinate meetups throughout the week.
Beyond Matching: Events and Global Travel
The platform extends beyond digital introductions by fostering real-world interaction. Users can access an “explore” page to sign up for local workshops, social gatherings, and recreational activities. For those looking for more extensive engagement, the app recently introduced “Trips,” offering group travel experiences to destinations including Iceland, Morocco, and the Amalfi Coast.
Membership Model and U.S. Expansion
Les Amis operates on a membership-based business model with localized pricing. In New York, the monthly fee is $70, while in Amsterdam, it sits at €55. This fee includes a flexible credit system that allows members to spend toward experiences across any city where the app is active, facilitating social connectivity while traveling.
The app is currently available on iOS and Android across major European hubs, including Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Stockholm. Following its initial U.S. entry in Austin last May and the current New York rollout, the company is targeting rapid growth. Boston is next on the roadmap, followed by Washington, D.C. in September, Miami in October, and a planned expansion into Los Angeles.
While the New York launch is underway—with over 2,000 applications already processed—local events are slated to begin on August 25. To date, Les Amis has seen approximately 120,000 installs, with 30,000 users participating in events, helping the company reach an annual run rate of $1 million.