Women looking for other women to befriend have had to get creative with existing social media that isn't built for it. But an app from Barcelona will start making connections for Austinites on April 24. Called Les Amis, the app is making its U.S. debut in Austin.

Les Amis helps women connect over specific interests, first in their profiles and then in the events they meet up at. This could avoid some of the common pitfalls of trying to make friends: making flimsy connections out of convenience, never committing to plans, or falling out of touch on broader social media.

Profiles allow users to express interests, career aspirations, and things they can teach to other women, adding an element of possible mentorship. An algorithm connects users with each other, and as in any matchmaking app, users can talk from there and make plans.

Once they're ready to commit, users can book an experience through the app, which are largely centered around learning something new. Possible activities include pottery, painting, an afternoon tea service, yoga, local tours, and more. If they meet other people they'd like to connect with at the event, they can add each other as contacts in the app and use it to stay in touch.

All that organization does come at a cost: an Austin-based membership costs $50 a month (or $135 dollars for three months). Each month, members receive 16 credits, which Le Amis' FAQ says are "sufficient to book one event." Depending on the event, members can sometimes bring along a plus-one who doesn't have a membership.

According to a press release, founder Anna Bilych spent time as a young professional hopping between cities and countries as part of working with PayPal. She's experienced the frustration of having to start over and make friends again and again, finally landing on this idea for organizing events.

The app is now active in eight cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Milan, and Stockholm. Although Austin is the first U.S. city on the list, Les Amis plans to launch in five other American cities by the end of 2025. Members get to use the app anywhere it's active.

Users must apply and be accepted to use the app. The application form collects information like name, social media and professional profiles, and birthday. Founding members will not pay a registration fee.