Meet Abby Larner | Co-Founder and CEO of Green Flag Date

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Larner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of Green Flag is our focus on building a community of singles who are excited to meet in person, create authentic connections, and try new things.

Unlike traditional dating apps that prioritize quick matches and endless swiping, Green Flag is about fostering real-world interactions in a fun, low-pressure environment. We attract people who are looking for more than just a date—they want to expand their social circles, share experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals who are also open to meaningful relationships.

By curating unique events that encourage organic interaction—whether it’s through pickleball, cornhole, or trivia—we create spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves and naturally build connections. This emphasis on community over impersonal interactions is what sets Green Flag apart and keeps people coming back.

At its core, our success comes from bringing together singles who share a mindset of openness, curiosity, and genuine connection—and providing them with the right environment to make that happen.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Green Flag is all about helping singles connect in real life through fun, engaging events that make dating feel natural and enjoyable. Unlike dating apps that keep people stuck behind screens, we create spaces where singles can meet, interact, and form genuine connections face-to-face.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

One of the things I’m most proud of is the growing community we’ve built—a space where singles are excited to meet in person and genuinely open to getting to know each other. When people connect face-to-face first, they approach dating with a different mindset—one that’s more natural, unfiltered, and authentic. Instead of relying on perfectly crafted profiles, they get to experience real chemistry and meaningful interactions.

I’m also incredibly proud of the technology we’ve developed to help event attendees reconnect after meeting in person. We know that sparking a conversation at an event is just the first step, so we built a seamless system that allows people to follow up in a low-pressure way. And finally, hosting over 30 events in less than a year has been an amazing milestone. Seeing the demand for in-person dating experiences grow so quickly has been both validating and exciting—it’s clear that people are ready for something beyond the apps.

What I’m Most Excited About:

I’m most excited about getting the word out about Green Flag and introducing even more singles to a better way of meeting potential partners. As we grow, we’re continuously expanding our events, adding new activities, and creating fresh opportunities for people to connect. We’re also actively partnering with local businesses to bring unique experiences to the singles community. From pickleball and game nights to wine tastings and interactive social experiences, we’re always looking for new venues and creative partners who want to help us redefine modern dating.

How We Got Here:

Green Flag actually started with a completely different idea—a mental wellness-focused dating app. We thought people needed a better way to match online based on values and communication styles. But in the process of hosting singles events to promote that idea, we realized something major:

People didn’t want another app. They wanted real-life experiences where they could get to know someone beyond just their profile.

So, instead of pushing our original idea, we listened. We paid attention to what singles actually needed and pivoted to create a solution that truly resonated. That decision has made all the difference. It hasn’t been an easy transition, but we are constantly taking feedback and iterating on Green Flag – adjusting our event formats, building technology to support matching, creating partnerships to provide new offerings, and so much more! Our Green Flag fans have been the driving force behind our success and growth, and we are working hard to build the best service for them.

What I Want the World to Know:

Green Flag isn’t just another dating service—it’s a movement toward real-world connection. We believe that dating should be exciting, not exhausting, and that meeting people should feel fun, not forced.

If you’re someone who’s tired of swiping and wants to actually enjoy the process of meeting new people, Green Flag is for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d want to give my best friend the perfect mix of great food, unique activities, and fun social experiences—many of which are Green Flag favorites. We’d start with coffee at Perc, one of my go-to spots to sip and work. Then we would check out the Beltline for a classic ATL walk, stopping at New Realm Brewing for a rooftop drink.

For some friendly competition, we’d hit Painted Pickle or Peachtree Hills Park for pickleball open play (one of the best ways to meet new people and get active) or head to Firemaker Brewing, one of our favorite Green Flag venues, for some board games. Since I love a mix of outdoor adventures and social hangouts, we could also spend a day hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park, followed by lunch at Canoe by the river.

Evenings would be all about good food and good drinks. Burle’s Bar is a favorite for the cool vibe and unique drinks. Kitty Dare is always a solid choice for dinner, or if we were in the mood for pasta, BoccaLupo never disappoints. Live music at the Eastern is always a great idea. And, of course, we’d have to stop at Big Softie for ice cream before calling it a night.

This trip wouldn’t just be about hitting the best spots in Atlanta—it would be about experiencing the city the way I love it most: through great conversations, fun activities, and the kind of shared experiences that bring people together. It’s the same energy that makes Green Flag events so special, and it’s exactly why I love calling this city home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Green Flag wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support and inspiration from the singles who show up, take a chance, and put themselves out there. They’re the heart of this community, and their excitement to meet in person, try new things, and form authentic connections is what drives everything we do.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to the local businesses that have partnered with us—from breweries to rock climbing gyms to local sports leagues. Their willingness to open their doors and collaborate has helped create truly unique experiences that make dating feel fun and natural rather than forced or awkward.

On a personal level, I’m incredibly grateful for my co-founder (and brother), Aaron, and for my friends and family, who have supported this vision from day one—cheering me on, offering ideas, and sometimes even showing up to events to lend a hand. Entrepreneurship can be a wild ride, and having a strong support system makes all the difference.

Website: https://www.greenflagdate.com/events

Instagram: @greenflagdate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenflagdate

Image Credits
Jalen Parham (Picture 2, 3, 4)