A culture-first social app, from kickoff to launch in under 3 months

We keep this client’s name private. The client is real, and so is the system.

Client: A startup connecting locals, expats, diaspora communities and travelers across Southeast and East Asia, launching first in the Philippines and Bali
Industry: Social and Community Apps
Services: Product Design, Mobile App Development (iOS and Android), Backend and Admin Platform, Ongoing Development

The product’s own screens, white-labelled as Roots: its name, logo, colours and type are ours, not the client’s. Names and figures on screen are samples.

The challenge

Most dating and social apps match people on looks or distance. The founder wanted an app where people meet through shared heritage, values, and identity, and where users choose whether they’re looking for romance, friendship, or shared interests. It had to feel safe from the first day, and be ready to grow into friend groups, city hubs and real-world events.

What we built

We designed and built the full first version: an iOS and Android app, the system behind it on Google Cloud, and an admin dashboard. Users tag their nationality, language and upbringing, then browse one discovery feed and switch filters for what they’re looking for. Matches chat in real time and gets push notifications. Users can report or block anyone, and identities are verified. The client’s team uses the dashboard to approve photos, assign identity checks, handle reports, and track growth, and each staff member sees only what their role allows.