Page 19 - Masala Lite Issue 160 April 2024
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convenience for our users.
                                              With a robust background in both industries, venturing   In the next phase, our focus will be on achieving full integration. This
                                              into a startup, especially a dating app, is indeed   requires meticulous coordination with each partner’s individual systems—
                                              uncharted territory. But similar to what our business   an endeavor that underscores our commitment to quality and user
                                              empowers, therein lies the thrill – the pursuit of   satisfaction.
                                              unexplored potential.
                                                                                         We’re dedicated to ensuring that the volume of experiences we offer
                                              In Southeast Asia, the concept of experiential dating   justifies the investment in this undertaking, delivering a SPARK standard
                                              is nascent, almost untouched. While other platforms   of lavish escapades to our discerning clientele.
                                              hinge on visual appeal or textual banter, SPARK
                                              embraces the genuineness of the connection cultivated     In addition to affluent, single individuals, who else does Spark cater to?
                                              by the richness of experiences. We believe that true   While SPARK caters predominantly to affluent, single individuals, our vision
                                              connection flourishes through shared adventures and   extends beyond that. We’ve realized the immense potential within the
                                              cultured encounters. It’s about crafting moments that   broader spectrum of relationships. Our platform is inclusive, capable of
                                              resonate far beyond mere first impressions.  celebrating various occasions across our users’ lives and the calendar year.
                                              Class,  Culture,  and  Character  —  these  are  the   Imagine a feature where our platform helps commemorate your personal
                                              cornerstones of SPARK’s ethos, diverging from what   milestones; gently nudging you with a reminder of a loved one’s upcoming
                               is often encountered on mainstream platforms. SPARK is a sanctuary for   birthday; a sophisticated afternoon tea at a renowned establishment? Or
                               the sophisticated; an enclave that thrives on exclusivity and is sustained   how about suggesting a romantic escape to honor your parents’ anniversary,
                               by invitation and selection. Here, quality trumps quantity every single time.  transforming appreciation into action.
                               Our aim? To kindle connections that transcend ordinary ones, enriched   At SPARK, we will be extending a warm invitation not only to singles
                               with tailored experiences and genuine understanding. Bangkok’s vibrant   but also to couples in committed relationships looking to enhance their
                               backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for these connections to unfold,   connection. We offer couples an opportunity to step away from the routine
                               and I eagerly anticipate witnessing our members forge genuine bonds   and indulge in fabulous experiences that are both intimate and exciting.
                               that are sparked by shared interests, experiences while being nurtured   Join us to create new memories and rediscover the passion that brought
                               by mutual appreciation.                                    you together in the first place. Whether you’re looking to deepen your
                                                                                          bond or simply share an adventure, SPARK is here to help illuminate the
                               What does a SPARK experience look like?
                                                                                          path to a renewed and vibrant partnership.
                               Envision surprising your date with an impressive drive through Bangkok’s   Moreover, SPARK will eventually embrace the corporate realm with
                               lively streets in a sleek supercar. Then, picture arriving at a discerning   our unique gifting feature, which will empower employers to reward
                               restaurant where a romantic tableau of flowers and fine wine await you   outstanding team members with a selection of curated experiences,
                               both, setting the stage for an intimate dinner. But the SPARK experience   perfectly aligned with their contributions and the company’s gratitude.
                               offers more than just opulence.
                                                                                          In essence, SPARK is not just a conduit for romantic connections but
                               What if the night’s symphony beckoned under a canopy of stars with a   a facilitator of cherished memories and appreciation, regardless of
                               private salsa dance lesson? Or imagine immersing yourselves in nature,   relationship status. It’s about creating joyous experiences that are as
                               a woodland trek culminating in a serene hot-air balloon ascent at dawn.   beautiful as the individuals celebrating them, all with the sophistication
                               Seeking an adrenaline rush? A private tour over the cityscape or countryside   and simplicity that SPARK is known for.
                               might elevate your connection to new heights.               What makes a person a part of the “SPARK audience”?

                               These bespoke experiences curated by SPARK are designed to inspire awe,   Think air travel, where passengers are divided into economy, business, and
                               laughter, shared moments, and a cascade of emotions. Such authentic   first-class. Those in the economy might long for what the other classes
                               encounters strip away pretense, fostering a bond that’s rooted in a real   offer but might not see the value or simply deems it impractical.
                               interaction. Within SPARK’s curated environment, comfort and safety   Business class passengers, on the other hand, are immediately willing
                               nurture these exciting connections.
                                                                                          to invest in comfort and exclusivity understanding the experience and
                               With SPARK, we aim for each encounter to be a momentous occasion—a   privileges that come at a price.
                               chance to enjoy the present without expectations. Whether a lasting   At SPARK, our target audience is akin to these classes that see the value
                               connection or a single unforgettable episode, the experience remains   when you pay a certain price point — selective, lifestyle- conscious
                               pressure-free and enriching. This isn’t about traditional dating; it’s about   individuals who prioritize themselves, the people they associate with,
                               connecting - crafting memories, embarking on mutually thrilling escapades,   and extraordinary experiences.
                               and possibly, just possibly, discovering a kindred spirit along the journey.  They’re not simply wealthy; they are connoisseurs of the genuine and
                                                                                         exceptional, with SPARK being their portal to this journey.
                               Spark’s website lists AI-driven matching as one of the app’s key features.
                               Can you tell me more about this and how you integrated AI into your   These people have a certain zest for life and wouldn’t mind spending for it
                               app?                                                       if need be. They belong to a certain affluence of which we resonate with.

                               At SPARK, we’ve reimagined the very fabric of matchmaking within our   This is made possible as SPARK bridges positive emotions through bespoke
                               application. We are integrating sophisticated AI capabilities, including   experiences, enabling more focus on the connection.

                               interactive games and generative AI, that set the foundation of our     How will you vet individuals coming into SPARK?
                               platform’s first iteration.
                                                                                         Vetting for SPARK involves a personal touch. Once consented, we delve
                               Diving headfirst into the next frontier, we’re honing a distinctive feature:   into prospective members’ digital personas, scanning through social
                               vibe modeling. Our development team is dedicated to iterating and refining   media and business profiles, along with a thorough review of their profile
                               this technology. It’s akin to thought-provoking scenarios presented in   details. It’s part of our commitment to curate a community of integrity. We
                               Black Mirror, albeit with a focus on enhancing real-world connections   understand that profiles will need polishing; hence we provide constructive
                               and emotions.                                              feedback to align with SPARK’s ethos. It’s all about creating a genuine,
                                                                                          respectful community that reflects our brand’s values and commitment
                               Our AI delves into a user’s digital footprint—analyzing consented profiles
                               to ascertain an individual’s tastes and preferences across a multitude of     to preserving a real connection.
                               domains. This intelligent analysis will eventually extend  What or who has inspired you the most, and given you the courage to
                               to understanding political leanings, religious sentiments, specific interests,   pursue this path?
                               musical whims, and culinary inclinations.
                                                                                          My entrepreneurial fire was kindled by the remarkable story of Anna and
                               With permission to access a user’s social media archives, our AI will be   Nick Mowbray of Zuru Toys. Their daring leap into business, starting from
                               able to proficiently map out their preferences, redefining the conventional   their family home to the heights of global success has been a beacon of
                               questionnaire. It anticipates your partiality for certain places, thrills and   inspiration.It’s a tale that echoes the essence of entrepreneurship—boldness,
                               individuality, allowing us to curate an experience that’s as unique as   vision, and relentless innovation. Their journey is a reminder of
                               you are. At SPARK, it’s not just about making matches; but also crafting   what’s possible with grit and creativity, inspiring the ethos I strive to instill
                               experiences with precision and insight.                    in every facet of SPARK.

                               How will you offer bespoke experiences to Spark users?    You’re a man who loves a challenge, and thrives in the chaos. What do
                                                                                          you see on the horizon for SPARK, your biggest challenge yet?
                               Our Chief Experiences Officer is spearheading the charge to bring craft
                               and curation directly into the hands of SPARK users. By forging strategic   SPARK stands on the precipice of transformation, not just for the company,
                               alliances with a coterie of select entities in Bangkok, we’ve curated an   but for the entire relationships landscape. I see it ascending into a multi-
                               array of exclusive engagements just for SPARK members.     faceted enterprise, driven by our shared vision,
                                                                                          innovative spirit, and an exceptional team.
                               Our portfolio boasts collaborations with illustrious Michelin-awarded   With our launch in Bangkok imminent, we look
                               establishments, renowned dance virtuosos, enchanting theatric performers,   beyond to key cities such as Singapore, Tokyo,
                               and culinary maestros with esteemed pedigrees.These experiences are   Mumbai, and Dubai by 2026. The path ahead is
                               not only bespoke but also come with the added allure of rates exclusive   boundless, challenging, yet allows us to grow
                               only to SPARK members. It’s a medley consisting of tailor-made elegance,   stronger, more creative and determined to achieve
                               inspiring awe and deepening connections.
                                                                                          the extraordinary.
                               We’ve already successfully integrated booking capabilities for a significant
                               portion of these experiences directly within the SPARK app, streamlining

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