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Lori Cheek

Founder/ CEO, Cheekd
New York, New York,United States
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Lori Cheek's Overview

Total Experience30 years
CompanyCheekd
CountryUnited States

Lori Cheek is an American entrepreneur, architect, and the founder of Cheekd, a mobile dating app that aimed to facilitate real-world connections. Originally an architect with over 15 years of experience, she pivoted into the tech world by launching Cheekd (initially as a card-based service) around 2010. The app was designed to help people connect with others they encountered in daily life by using proximity-based technology (like Bluetooth) to alert users to potential matches nearby. Lori gained significant public attention after her memorable appearance on ABC's 'Shark Tank' in 2014, where she pitched Cheekd. Although she didn't secure a deal with the Sharks and faced harsh criticism, the exposure dramatically increased her app's visibility. Known for her resilience and tenacity, Lori continued to iterate on her product and build her brand, becoming a notable figure in the startup community and a speaker on entrepreneurship and overcoming adversity.

Professional Summary

Lori Cheek's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Cheekd - Founder/ CEO (2008 to Present)
Karkula - Account Manager (2010 to 2010)
Vitra - Account Manager (2006 to 2009)
Christian Dior Couture - Store Planning & Design (2001 to 2005)
Owen & Mandolfo - Senior Project Manager (2000 to 2001)
AFD Contract Furniture - Project Manager (1998 to 2000)
PML Furniture Group - Sales Assistant (1997 to 1998)

Notable Achievements

Founder of Cheekd

Conceptualized and launched Cheekd, an innovative dating app designed to bridge the gap between online dating and real-world encounters. The app evolved from physical cards to a Bluetooth-based mobile application.

Shark Tank Appearance

Pitched Cheekd on Season 5 of ABC's 'Shark Tank' in 2014. While she did not receive investment, the appearance provided significant national exposure and a surge in user interest for her app.

Media Recognition & Public Speaking

Featured in numerous major media outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Inc. Magazine. She has also become a public speaker, sharing her entrepreneurial journey and insights on resilience.

Established Architectural Career

Worked as a qualified architect for over 15 years prior to her entrepreneurial venture, with experience in designing and managing various architectural projects in New York City.

Persistence in Entrepreneurship

Demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination by continuing to develop and promote Cheekd despite initial setbacks and criticism, embodying the spirit of a tenacious entrepreneur.

Educational Background

BS, Architecture

University of Kentucky - Year 1990

Buying Intent Signals for Lori Cheek

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
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Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

Cheekd
Total employees3
HeadquartersNew York City
Founded2010

Cheekd was a mobile dating app founded by Lori Cheek. It aimed to facilitate real-world connections by using a combination of physical cards and a mobile application. Users would hand out cards with unique codes to people they found interesting. If the recipient was also interested, they could enter the code online or via the app to connect. The app later pivoted to a Bluetooth-based model to alert users when a compatible match was nearby, aiming to make missed connections a thing of the past. Cheekd gained notable media attention, including an appearance on Shark Tank, though it did not secure a deal on the show. The company is no longer actively operating in its original capacity.

Cheekd Funding Information
$120K - Total Funding Raised
$70K - Most recent funding amount
2 - Number of funding rounds
Jan 1, 2014 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
SOSV
Rob Shaddock (Former Motorola CTO)
Other Angel Investors

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