– A story of grievances, trust, hope, and the search for genuine encounters –
My name is Valentin; together with my business partner Alex, I founded SWARETIQ GmbH in Basel in October 2023. Our goal from the outset was to develop technical solutions for everyday challenges.
We share the conviction that technology has the greatest impact when it truly helps people – when it makes life simpler, safer, or a little more beautiful. This is how DuoLivo also came about: not from a business plan, but from the desire to create something meaningful and genuine.
The Idea Born from a Grievance
On June 24, 2025, SRF Impact published an investigative report titled
“Dating Scam – How Swiss Companies Exploit Singles”. The program ruthlessly exposed how opaque and unscrupulous Swiss companies operate in the online dating industry – particularly enriching themselves at the expense of individuals who long for closeness after a separation, a loss, or during periods of loneliness.
What begins as a promise of closeness and companionship often ends in disappointment and expensive subscription traps for many. This realization stayed with me.
After the report, it was clear to me: This cannot continue. A reputable platform that earns trust is needed – one that brings people together without exploiting them.
This is how the idea for DuoLivo emerged: a dating platform based not on greed for profit, but on respect, honesty, and genuine encounters.
The Reality on Existing Platforms
The SRF report impressively demonstrates the depth of the problem. A network of companies from the canton of Zug – including Paidwings, Qualidates, Dateyard, Date4friend, and Dateblaster – operates numerous dating portals across Europe, earning millions.
Several affected individuals, especially singles over 50, recount nearly identical experiences:
Subscription Trap
Many users believe they have only signed up for a free trial. However, as soon as they register,
Challenging Cancellation
Those who wish to cancel have little chance. Cancellations are ignored or rejected; instead,
Fake Profiles
A large portion of the displayed members are not genuine. Affected individuals report: “The websites are full of fake profiles.” New users are inundated with messages immediately after registration – mostly automated, often identical in wording. Behind these profiles are pre-programmed chats or paid decoys.
Deceptive Lures
Some fake profiles deliberately lead to other paid sites or external chats. There, fraud attempts follow, where alleged acquaintances suddenly demand money or personal data.
While operators outwardly emphasize seriousness, the report shows that they deliberately exploit loneliness and trust to sell subscriptions. Authorities such as the Seco see violations of fair competition law and have already issued warnings to the companies.
These stories demonstrate how much trust many people have lost in existing platforms.
After this report, I began to conduct further research myself – and also looked at well-known names such as Zweisam, Parship, ElitePartner, 50Plus, and others. It quickly became apparent that the
It finally became clear to me: The problem is not with individual companies – it is systemic.
Why We Developed DuoLivo
After all this research, it was clear to me: A genuine fresh start in online dating is needed.
Alex was immediately enthusiastic about the idea. We did not want to create another platform that uses the same tricks – but one that
DuoLivo originated from the desire to restore trust. We believe that dating does not have to be superficial or anonymous, but can be a space for genuine closeness and respect.
That is why we consistently focus on transparency, security, and fairness:
- Real People Instead of Fake Profiles
- Clear Pricing, No Subscription Traps
- Respectful Interaction Instead of Games
- Trust Through Security
- Quality Over Quantity
- Transparent Communication
DuoLivo is therefore more than just a dating platform – it is a response to the abuse many have experienced. We want to show that there is another way: love, closeness, and new encounters are not a matter of age – but of the courage to embrace life again.
What Makes DuoLivo Different
Before we began development, we asked a simple yet crucial question: What would a platform look like that I would feel good about joining myself?
From this consideration, we defined clear principles – rules that form the foundation of DuoLivo and to which we adhere to this day:
- No Subscription Traps, No Hidden Costs
- Real People, No Deception
- Respectful Interaction Instead of Games
- Trust Through Security
- Quality Over Quantity
- Transparent Communication
These six points guide us to this day in every decision – whether in technology, design, or dialogue with our members.
They form the core of DuoLivo. They are not just technical guidelines, but a promise: to create a platform where one feels safe, understood, and welcome again.
The Name and Philosophy behind DuoLivo
As the idea took shape, we searched for a name that expresses what this platform is truly about. Something that embodies connection, life, and hope – without appearing artificial. Thus, the name DuoLivo was born:
“Duo” stands for togetherness – two people who meet, understand each other, and embark on new paths together.
“Livo” is derived from the Latin vivere (“to live”) and symbolizes exactly what many are looking for again after a separation, a loss, or years of being alone: to feel alive.
DuoLivo thus stands for two people finding their way back to life together. For tenderness that grows – and for trust that takes time.
Two hearts. One path.
This philosophy guides every detail of DuoLivo – from the app’s design to how we communicate with our members. We want to create an environment where no one has to pretend. A place where encounters are honest, conversations have depth, and affection can develop naturally.
Because DuoLivo is not just a platform – it is an attitude:
A commitment to authenticity, mutual respect, and the conviction that love is not a matter of age.
Our Vision
With DuoLivo, we want to show that real dating is still possible today – honestly, safely, and with mutual respect. We want to create a community where people don’t look for perfection, but for authenticity, warmth, and reliability.
Our vision is clear: A platform that restores trust and makes encounters what they should be again – a piece of life.
We believe that love knows no age limit. That closeness can be rekindled even when one thought it was long lost. And that two people who meet at the right moment can brighten each other’s lives again.
DuoLivo stands for this hope. For all those who say: “I am ready to share life again.” For people who long for honest conversations, shared walks, or simply for someone who is there.
Because it’s never too late to find someone with whom life becomes easier again.
With DuoLivo, a new way of getting to know each other begins – calmer, more genuine, more human. Perhaps that’s precisely what makes it so special.
In this spirit, Alex and I wish you much joy in discovering DuoLivo – many wonderful conversations, honest encounters, and perhaps the beginning of something very special.
Warm regards
Valentin & Alex
