ABOUT CANDID
ABOUT CANDID
We built the dating app we wished existed.
We built the dating app we wished existed.
We built the dating app we wished existed.
Candid exists for Catholic singles who are tired of endless profiles and ready for real conversations, clear intentions, and a kinder way to meet.
Candid exists for Catholic singles who are tired of endless profiles and ready for real conversations, clear intentions, and a kinder way to meet.
WHY WE STARTED
WHY WE STARTED
WHY WE STARTED
Good people, dating apps that don’t work for them
Good people, dating apps that don’t work for them
Good people, dating apps that don’t work for them
We built Candid because we were single and exhausted by the same apps everyone else was exhausted by. Endless profiles, conversations that fizzled before they started, and a kind of dating that felt more like a chore than a way to actually meet someone. We wanted the app we wished existed: something that treated dating like it was about people, not profiles. So we built live, hosted video speed dates where practicing Catholics can meet face-to-face, one real conversation at a time.
We built Candid because we were single and exhausted by the same apps everyone else was exhausted by. Endless profiles, conversations that fizzled before they started, and a kind of dating that felt more like a chore than a way to actually meet someone. We wanted the app we wished existed: something that treated dating like it was about people, not profiles. So we built live, hosted video speed dates where practicing Catholics can meet face-to-face, one real conversation at a time.
We built Candid because we were single and exhausted by the same apps everyone else was exhausted by. Endless profiles, conversations that fizzled before they started, and a kind of dating that felt more like a chore than a way to actually meet someone. We wanted the app we wished existed: something that treated dating like it was about people, not profiles. So we built live, hosted video speed dates where practicing Catholics can meet face-to-face, one real conversation at a time.
"Swiping wore us down like it wears everyone down. So we built something better."
"Swiping wore us down like it wears everyone down. So we built something better."
“Swiping wore us down like it wears everyone down. So we built something better.”
Mariana Zayas, Candid Chief Product Officer
Mariana Zayas, Candid Chief Product Officer
Mariana Zayas, Candid Chief Product Officer
WHAT GUIDES US
WHAT GUIDES US
Four values in every decision.
Four values in every decision.
Four values in every decision.
Vocation
Vocation
We exist to serve marriage. When a decision is good for engagement but bad for discernment, discernment wins.
We exist to serve marriage. When a decision is good for engagement but bad for discernment, discernment wins.
Transparency
Transparency
We’re honest about what we’re building including the parts we haven’t figured out yet.
We’re honest about what we’re building including the parts we haven’t figured out yet.
Authenticity
Authenticity
Real connection over a curated highlight reel. On video, in real time, you can't fake presence.
Real connection over a curated highlight reel. On video, in real time, you can’t fake presence - and that’s what we’re after.
Trust
Trust
Safety and verification aren’t an afterthought. Every attendee is a verified, practicing Catholic.
Safety and verification aren’t an afterthought. Every attendee is a verified, practicing Catholic.
Built around real conversations, not endless swiping.
Built around real conversations, not endless swiping.
Built around real conversations, not endless swiping.
4-5
4-5
conversations per event
7 min
7 min
to meet face-to-face
1:1
1:1
video dates, every round
THE PEOPLE BEHIND CANDID
THE PEOPLE BEHIND CANDID
A small team that takes this personally.
A small team that takes this personally.
A small team that takes this personally.
Candid exists for Catholic singles who are tired of endless profiles and ready for real conversations, clear intentions, and a kinder way to meet.
Candid exists for Catholic singles who are tired of endless profiles and ready for real conversations, clear intentions, and a kinder way to meet.
Taylor O'Brien
Co-Founder · CEO
Mariana Zayas
Co-Founder · Product
Nick Maiello
Co-Founder · Technology
Your next first date is on the calendar.
Your next first date is on the calendar.
Pick a city, pick an evening, show up on video. The rest is just conversation.
Pick a city, pick an evening, show up on video. The rest is just conversation.
Reserve your seat →
Live video speed dating for practicing Catholics. Made with care in Dallas / Fort Worth.
© 2026 Candid Dating Technologies LLC
SKIP THE SWIPE. GET SOME FACE TIME.
Live video speed dating for practicing Catholics. Made with care in Dallas / Fort Worth.
© 2026 Candid Dating Technologies LLC
SKIP THE SWIPE. GET SOME FACE TIME.
Live video speed dating for practicing Catholics. Made with care in Dallas / Fort Worth.
© 2026 Candid Dating Technologies LLC
SKIP THE SWIPE. GET SOME FACE TIME.