Why I created Tirtle: Unique events to meet people in the Cotswolds

It started with dating apps

A few years ago, I set out to build a dating app.

Some of my friends were having a rough time meeting people on Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. And I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Why was it so hard for such amazing people to find someone? Was it the algorithms? The endless swiping? The paradox of choice? I had to figure it out. And build an app that would solve it all.

Going full sleuth mode 🕵️

I did what any friend would do, I went undercover.

I catfished myself as “Amelia Goldblum,” created weird profiles, experimented with strange bios, and even signed up as my husband (with his full permission, of course). All in an attempt to decode the dating app formula—what was actually working, and what was absolutely not.

I spent countless hours analysing dating apps, reading reviews, lurking on forums, and crunching numbers. I even ran a dating survey on Typeform (which, I've only just realised, is still live). It was a deep dive into the world of online dating, and what I found wasn’t exactly promising.

The harsh reality of swiping culture

The more I swiped, the more obvious it became – swiping wasn’t the answer. People weren’t just looking for another match, they were craving real, meaningful connections.

But dating apps weren’t designed to help them find that. They were designed to keep people hooked. To keep them swiping. To keep them engaged, not necessarily fulfilled.

The problem? I didn’t want to accept this. I had fallen in love with my idea, not the solution. So, I procrastinated, convincing myself that I could still build the perfect dating app. Deep down, though, I knew the truth: swiping wasn’t just making connections harder, it was damaging self-esteem. People were tired.

The realisation that changed everything

In 2021, I moved to the Cotswolds, knowing absolutely no one. And I slowly started to connect the dots.

More and more of us are moving for work, buying our first homes, or starting families far from home. But where do we actually go to meet people? Not just for dating, but for friendships, the kind of connections that make life feel full.

That’s when it hit me: swiping wasn’t the solution, but real-world experiences were. 

Enter Tirtle 🐢

That’s why I’m building Tirtle.

Tirtle is all about making meeting people easy, natural, and actually fun. No screens, no awkward small talk, and definitely no “Amelia Goldblums.” Just fresh, engaging social events shaped by the community.

Whether you’re single, coupled up, or just looking for new pals, Tirtle is here to make real-life connections effortless.

Want in? Join the waitlist below and be part of the adventure.