Manny Manzel Discusses How Crossed Is Transforming Campus Connections

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

If you've ever felt disillusioned by endless swiping on popular apps like Tinder or Bumble, you're not alone. Manny Manzel, one of the co-founders of Crossed, recognized this frustration, especially within the college community. Alongside Conor Crighton, Manny envisioned a solution tailored specifically for students, emphasizing real-world interactions and community engagement.

The idea for Crossed took root during a period when Manny was working as a bartender, and Conor was navigating the real estate sector. The duo began sketching concepts on paper, determined to create something impactful for students. The breakthrough came in 2021 when they observed that traditional dating apps were failing to connect people meaningfully on college campuses. This realization spurred the development of a platform that integrates geo-proximity technology, enabling users to engage with others they pass by on campus. The innovation lies not just in dating but in multifaceted connections—whether for friendships, business networking, or casual social encounters.

Initial tests at the University of Tampa yielded impressive results, with about 30% of the student body, or roughly 3,000 students, downloading the app. This marked success encouraged Manny and Conor to extend outreach efforts by organizing on-campus events featuring games and ambassador sign-ups to boost engagement. The app’s free version offers significant functionality, but users can opt for upgrades for an enhanced experience. It operates within a 500-foot radius, making interactions relevant and immediate.

One of the standout features of Crossed is its safety mode, which ensures that no user can message another unless they mutually match. This mode underscores the founders' commitment to user safety and privacy—a critical aspect for any app targeting college students. Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the app's intuitive design and its seamless integration into daily campus life.

Looking ahead, Manny shares that while the current focus is on growing the app's user base, the team envisions expanding its functionality to include business and conference networking. This future feature would allow participants at events to create temporary profiles, fostering productive connections during seminars and workshops.

Manny's journey from concept to reality with Crossed exemplifies innovation driven by firsthand understanding of the user experience. With continued growth and strategic development, Crossed is set to redefine how students connect, turning routine paths on campus into opportunities for authentic interactions.