PALMERSTON NORTH, NZ – Entrepreneur and former soldier Andrew Steele has launched Guardian Flame, a dedicated personal safety layer designed to bring transparency and accountability to the global dating industry. Following a successful "soft launch" that saw the app reach the number one spot on app stores in multiple jurisdictions, Steele is now rolling out the platform internationally to protect daters from predatory behaviour.
The inspiration for Guardian Flame came from a moment of reflection between Steele and his partner while watching a documentary on the Grace Millane case. They discussed how multiple women had experienced atrocious behaviour from the same individual on previous dates—information that remained hidden from Millane before her tragic encounter.
"If she’d had any inclination of what his behaviour was like, the chances are she wouldn't have gone on that date," Steele says. "It’s almost like Google reviews, but for people dating."
Guardian Flame functions as a user-driven behavioural database that works alongside existing dating apps. To prevent the "revolving door" of abusive profiles, every user undergoes rigorous third-party identity verification. Once verified, users can exchange "pre-date check" links and provide feedback based on real-world interactions. This feedback is processed by an algorithm to generate a searchable risk score, empowering the community with collective knowledge.
Steele, who served nine years in the British Army including tours in Afghanistan, has applied his military focus to this pro-social mission. Supported by a diverse board of advisors, the platform is now targeting the tertiary sector to help reduce gender-based violence on university campuses.
"I’ve put a lot of time and energy into trying to do something thoroughly pro-social," says Steele. "I’m looking forward to the time when people reflect and say, ‘Do you remember when we used to meet with complete strangers and had no idea who we were meeting?’"
Learn more about Guardian Flame at www.guardianflame.com
