AI-Powered Meetup App Aims to Curate Meaningful Connections

222 app uses questionnaires and machine learning to match strangers for social activities

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 222 app, launched in 2021, uses a detailed questionnaire and AI-powered matching to bring together groups of strangers for pre-organized social activities like dinners, drinks, and fitness classes. The app has expanded from 3 cities to over 13 in the past year, attracting a growing number of users who see it as a primary way to meet new people and make friends. While the app's algorithm selects the participants, the actual venues and experiences are curated by the 222 team to provide an intentional and high-quality experience for members.

Why it matters

Friend-making apps are not new, but 222 seems to be gaining more traction than traditional options like Bumble BFF by providing a more structured and curated approach to meeting new people. In an era where many struggle to build meaningful social connections, especially post-pandemic, 222 is tapping into the desire for more intentional ways to expand one's social circle.

The details

The 222 app was founded in 2021 by Keyan Kazemian, Arman Roshannai, and Danial Hashemi, who were inspired by hosting their own dinner parties and wanting to create a way to help others form lasting relationships. The app uses a detailed questionnaire covering preferences for food, lifestyle, and even deeper topics like beliefs about human purpose. Based on users' responses, the app's AI algorithm matches individuals into groups for pre-organized activities at partner restaurants and venues. While the algorithm selects the participants, the 222 team hand-picks the locations and experiences to ensure they provide a high-quality, intentional environment for members to connect.

  • 222 was launched in 2021.
  • In the past year, 222 has expanded from 3 cities to over 13, including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and more.

The players

Keyan Kazemian

Co-founder of the 222 app.

Arman Roshannai

Co-founder of the 222 app.

Danial Hashemi

Co-founder of the 222 app.

222

A social meetup app that uses AI-powered matching to connect strangers for pre-organized activities and experiences.

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What they’re saying

“We don't believe in outsourcing our thinking and creativity to AI. Our 20-person team here dislikes the use of AI-generated content and is seriously concerned about the rise of slop online and the bastardization of 'creativity.'”

— Keyan Kazemian, Co-founder, 222 (eater.com)

“Every part of 222 has a human curation element. Every single question we've chosen to ask was hand written, obsessed over, and refined by members of the team.”

— Keyan Kazemian, Co-founder, 222 (eater.com)

What’s next

The 222 app plans to continue expanding to new cities and adding more partner venues and experiences for its growing user base.

The takeaway

While the idea of an app curating social connections between strangers may seem unconventional, 222's structured approach and focus on creating high-quality, intentional experiences is resonating with users looking for more meaningful ways to expand their social circles in an increasingly isolated world.