This Exclusive Dating App Filters Out Geminis and Only Accepts the Top 1%

In a world where dating has been reduced to endless swiping and short-lived connections on apps, it’s no surprise that many are feeling burnt out. People say there’s no sense of exclusivity anymore, some shared, while others felt the process had become far too casual. For a few, it was simply a waste of time and energy, while others were left disappointed by the constant changes and lack of real commitment. At the end of the day, the exhaustion is real.

Kanav Puri, Founder of No Names,

Noticing this fatigue, Kanav Puri, founder of No Names, spotted a gap in the market—an absence of meaningful, exclusive spaces for people genuinely looking to connect. With this in mind, he launched No Names, a platform that only lets people in after a thorough vetting process, which even includes verifying one's identity through Aadhar cards. If you flake on a plan or don’t show up to a scheduled meeting, there are consequences. “People are not tired of connecting,” Puri explained. “They are tired of the wrong kind of online interactions. No Names is an antidote to digital fatigue. It’s not another app to get lost in, it’s a bridge to the real world.”

Intrigued, we caught up with Puri to understand more about his vision. What exactly is No Names? “It’s not just another dating app,” he told The Style List, “it’s a social-first platform that puts real-life meetings at the heart of the experience.” Built for the top 1% of high-intent individuals, the app is Puri’s attempt to move away from shallow conversations and into more intentional, in-person connections. “The app focuses on exclusivity, social fluency, and real-world meetups. It’s about redefining what connection means in today’s digital-first, experience-led world.”

The emphasis on exclusivity might feel subjective to some, but Puri is very clear about the kind of community he wants to build. “Exclusivity at No Names is in the DNA of the platform,” he said. “Every application goes through a multi-step verification process led by a secret internal committee. This includes identity checks, social vetting, and intent-based filtering.” And, importantly, no amount of money can buy you access. “It’s not pay-to-play,” he said. “Access depends on alignment with our values, not financial status.” Adding to the exclusivity, it's key to note that not everyone gets in – you can't pay your way to get in! "Access is granted post a thorough check on one’s background, social affinities, spending capacities and more, as judged by our internal committee and technology," added the founder. Even the premium tier, No Names: The Black, is strictly approval-based.

Sticking to an exclusive audience, the questions that arise are how well vetted are they? Is it actually just HNI? How does the app really work? Curious to see how it works, we gave the app a try. Entry opens every Thursday at 9 pm. There’s no chatting in-app—instead, users express interest in pre-listed plans or events. The registration questions are refreshingly interactive, asking things like your city, your favourite spots for a meal or coffee, and the kind of music you enjoy.

So what does it take to be a part of No Names? According to Puri, admission is based on a mix of technology and human insight. Applicants must verify their identity with official ID and facial recognition, demonstrate social fluency through their digital behaviour, and align with the platform’s cultural values. “Our internal team personally vets every application,” he said, ensuring the space stays safe, cohesive, and genuine.

When asked why he chose to launch yet another app in an already saturated market, Puri answered, “Because people still want to connect—they just want better options.” No Names is different because it changes how people meet. Instead of endless chatting, it follows a plan-first model—users post real plans like dinner or bowling, and others can ask to join. “It’s about meeting in real life, not just texting for days,” explained Puri. The app also has an invite-only community, where every person is carefully reviewed before they’re allowed in. “Only the top 1% get access, and not everyone makes it,” he said. What makes No Names stand out even more is its focus on real values—there are rules to protect users, like no screenshots, anti-ghosting policies, and strong safety measures. “We want to make sure this space feels safe, private, and full of real connections,” Puri added. People are chosen based on who they are, not how popular they seem online. Their identity is checked through ID and facial recognition, and the team also looks at their behaviour, social presence, and whether they fit into the community. “It’s about quality, not quantity,” he shared.

Adding a cheeky twist, the app even filters out Geminis. Yes, really. When asked why, Puri laughed and explained, “It started as an internal joke, but over time, we noticed recurring behavioural patterns displayed by Geminis in relationships and friendships. Geminis often brought chaos, unmatched energy, and inconsistency. It became a fun feature backed by both data and experience. Of course, we love individuality, but we want No Names to feel intentional, emotionally grounded, and safe.”

In a world of fleeting interactions, No Names is shaking things up.