Listen to this article
* – This article has been archived and is no longer updated by our editorial team –
Below is our recent interview with Afshin Tajian, the Founder of Rapt:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to Rapt?
A: Rapt literally means interested and fascinated. It’s now the name of a mobile application to match the individuals who have a secret crush on each other.
We all have experienced that difficult situation, when you like someone, but hesitate to approach them. Maybe you are too shy, or maybe just not sure if the feeling is mutual, and prefer not to jeopardize the friendship. If you have a contact information like phone number or email address from that special person, Rapt might be able to help!
Q: How exactly does your app work?
A: Rapt is basically a matching algorithm, and works like this: you download the app from the App Store or Google Play, then sign up for free, and secretly ‘mark’ or ‘tag’ that very special one (or ones) from your phone’s contact list. Now, you’ll just have to wait! If your crush marks you on Rapt too, you both will be notified with a ‘match notification’. This notification is the great news that both parties receive at the same time via a text message from Rapt, as well as a notification in the app.
All transactions are safe and secure. When you mark someone, we keep this information in a secure database with no one knowing. Our motto is ‘till the time is right, your secret’s safe with us!’.
Recommended: Whiz Tutor Makes Tutoring More Accessible To Underserved Populations And More Affordable For Low Income Families
Q: So, the app is available on the App Store and Google Play, correct?
A: Yes; the title of the app on the iTunes App Store is ‘Rapt Secret Crush’, and on the Google Play is ‘RAPT: does my secret crush love me back?!’.
Q: How did you come up to the idea for Rapt?
A: I’ve been involved with a lot of youth organizations and clubs. I think I’m very familiar with members of the so called ‘singles community’, many of whom tend to hide their true feelings for one reason or another.
I noticed this condition very often and tried to help make the environment somehow more comfortable for these young fellows so they’re able to connect easier; so I was actually a close friend to many of such couples who shared their secret with me about their crushes, and I gave them a hint when I knew the crush was mutual! That made me come up with the idea for Rapt. In this capacity, Rapt is like that mutual friend, that both sides talk to about their crush. This good friend would then notify both when, and only when, this feeling is mutual!
Having said that, I also see a need for educating the young generation on how to express their feelings without reservations, but in the right way.
Q: What is the main difference between Rapt and other dating apps?
A: The conventional dating websites and apps are basically doing the same thing, which is introducing some strangers to each other. Rapt differentiates itself by asking ‘what if your best match is someone you already know and like?’. It has been suggested by experts such as Ashley Reese that there are many benefits in dating someone you already know, such as a friend. A great benefit is that you know about each other’s positive and negative attributes, and there is not much need to try to impress each other! Rapt is trying to give this opportunity a chance, and minimize the risk too!
Q: Can you tell us more about the app’s features?
A: As mentioned you can mark someone on the app, and wait to see if they mark you too… you can make up to two markings for free, and then purchase credits for more markings.
Another great feature is that you can invite your friends and contacts to download the app. Inviting someone to download the app might soon replace the traditional asking out! when you invite someone to download the app, they’d know what it means… that you’re going to mark them on the app and you’d really like them to have the app and mark you too!
Following the good news of match notification, both parties can have a chat right on the app. The app also suggests great places for dating, based on your location, and also offers ‘dating tips’ from the field experts.
I should mention that Rapt has received great reviews from users and app review websites like the iPhone Apps Review Online.
Q: How can the users contact Rapt if they need help?
A: There are ‘Contact Us’ sections in the app, and also in the website www.myrapt.com. There’s also a ‘help’ section in the app that provides answers to frequently asked questions. The users are also welcome to email us at info@myrapt.com with any questions or comments.
To follow Rapt and its news, we are also on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus.
Recommended: High-Tech Coaching Platform LeggUP Connects The Dots For Employees And Businesses Who Seek Professional Coaching
Q: What’s your education, and where do you live?
A: I studied at New York Polytechnic University, which is now part of the New York University (NYU). I have a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. I live in Los Angeles now.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Rapt is now available in eight countries. I’m working to release and localize the app throughout the world soon. I’m dreaming of a world when secret crushes turn to memorable love stories as fast as possible!
In addition to secret crushes, Rapt also has the potential to become the de facto application to find out about mutual interests in any area or subject. This is getting completed now, and will be available soon.
Activate Social Media:
