LINKEDIN – Match Group has sued Muzz (formerly muzmatch) for the third time over a patent related to digital matchmaking (Patent 666 – "Matching Process System and Method"), day after their appeal hearing in the UK. Muzz asserts that it declined Match Group's acquisition offers and has invested ~$1M in countering their legal actions. Muzz is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Match Group's dominant position and treatment of competitors.
Month: March 2023
ParshipMeet Group Implements New Leadership Structure
PARSHIPTMEET GROUP – ParshipMeet Group, a leading international provider in dating and video, has announced a reorganization of its businesses, focusing on a more integrated approach. The new structure will be led by a new CEO, Marc Schachtel, and CFO and COO, Henning Rönneberg. Geoff Cook, co-CEO of The Meet Group, has left the company on mutual terms to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures. As COO Video, Jim Bugden will continue to operationally oversee ParshipMeet Group's Video activities. Jim Bugden has been with the company for twelve years, most recently helping expand Livebox's third-party customer portfolio. The Livebox solution allows streamers to quickly and easily connect with their audiences and monetize their livestreams. The reorganization aims to set the company up for future growth, with its dating apps and live-streaming solution expected to contribute to ParshipMeet Group's future expansion. ParshipMeet Group will also streamline its organizational setup and implement cost efficiencies.
Geoff Cook Takes a Bow, Leaves The Meet Group
OPW – After an 18-year journey, Geoff Cook is bowing out of the CEO role of The Meet Group.
MeetMe grew from nothing to millions of active users. Tagged was acquired and turned into a livestreaming video success. Livebox, is a successful Creator Economy service powering top social apps. Tagged, LOVOO, Skout, and GROWLr were acquired. Parship Group and The Meet Group merged 2.5 years ago as ParshipMeet Group, and emerged as a dating and video leader.
See Geoff's post on Linkedin here
Mark Brooks: Our hats off to Geoff, a luminary in the dating industry, for his foresight, innovation, and leadership.
FITFCK Appoints James Brodey as New COO and Moves to New Office
LINKEDIN – FITFCK, a London-based dating and social app for health and fitness enthusiasts, has moved into a new office and appointed James Brodey as its new Chief Operating Officer. The new office features two whiteboards, one for business tasks and another for recording lifting personal bests. James Brodey is an angel investor and CEO of Brodey Capital, a venture capital and private equity company based in London. Brodey was also the first angel investor of FITFCK.
High There App Revamped as Social Network for Cannabis Enthusiasts, No Longer Just a Dating App
FORBES – Kaya Now has launched an updated version of its High There app, which aims to create a safe, moderated, digital cannabis-friendly community for users. The revamped app includes industry-led content, a live chat feature, a Global Stories feature for users to share their experiences, and a tailored feed algorithm for customized content. High There has shifted from a 'connection model' to a 'follow model', moving away from its original dating-focused concept to create a social network for cannabis enthusiasts.
Grindr Warns LGBTQ+ Users in Egypt of Police Entrapment
THE PINK NEWS – Grindr has issued a warning to its users in Egypt, urging them to be vigilant after reports that police are using the app to conduct sting operations and arrest LGBTQ+ individuals. Police are also reportedly hacking into legitimate user profiles on the app to make arrests. LGBTQ+ people in Egypt are facing increasing levels of violence and abuse from authorities, and digital platforms such as dating apps and social media are being used to facilitate this oppression.
by Joe Ali
See full article at The Pink News
Carmelia Ray – the Future of Content Marketing, Social Selling, and Brand Recognition Through TV and Media
LTR – For 30 years, Carmelia Ray has been a prominent figure in the dating industry, serving as a celebrity matchmaker, TV host, and online dating expert. During this time, she has helped ~8K matchmaking clients and engaged in ~65K conversations with singles from around the world about matters of love and relationships. She is recognized as one of the most successful matchmakers, having worked with renowned entrepreneurs, corporate executives, celebrities, and influencers. Carmelia is also the host and associate producer of her reality dating show called "Mom vs Matchmaker," and has appeared on several TV programs. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with various matchmaking agencies, top dating coaches, and major online dating sites.
Carmelia talks about her experience as a matchmaker and how she has used media to increase her visibility and authority. She shares ideas on how to attract media to a brand and reach a target audience through content marketing, social selling, and brand recognition. Carmelia discusses the three types of media: paid media, owned media, and earned media, and highlights the importance of producing content to establish one's voice and stand out. She advises taking advantage of crises to solve problems for people and attract media attention. Finally, Carmelia emphasizes the power of leveraging media to create instant visibility and authority. She also advises on how to get featured in the media, including building relationships with producers and writers, creating video content, and following up with enthusiasm. Carmelia emphasizes the importance of being authentic and sharing personal stories to connect with audiences.
The February LTR was kindly sponsored by technology providers Livebox by The Meet Group, Courtland Brooks and Matchmaker.com
Survey Shows 80% of Young Adults in Japan Did Not Date During the Pandemic
PRESS RELEASE – Eureka, a subsidiary of Match Group and the operator of Japan’s Pairs dating app, conducted a survey to study changes in young adults’ attitudes toward love this spring. The survey of 1,000 respondents found that 50% are eager to go on a date that would lead to a romantic relationship this spring. Additionally, 88.5% of respondents are using a dating app. Of those who were still single, 80% claimed that they did not go on a date during the pandemic.
Dating App Muzz Fights to Overturn Trademark Loss
LAW360 – Muzz (previously Muzzmatch), an online dating service aimed at Muslims, has recently found itself embroiled in a legal battle with Match Group. Match Group has accused Muzz of infringing on their trademarks by using the word "match" in their name, which they claim is causing confusion among users. However, Muzz has maintained that there is no evidence to suggest that users have actually confused the two brands. The case has now made its way to the London appeals court, where Muzz is urging the court to throw out the ruling made against them.
Announcing LTR Edition 21 With Joel Simkhai (Founder & CEO of Motto), and Daniel Salmon (Partner at New Street Research)
OPW – Edition 21 of the LTR (Love, Tech, Relationships) online experience will be on Wed, April 5th at 12 noon EST (New York time). In this edition, we will hear from Joel Simkhai, Founder of Grindr and now Founder and CEO of the dating app Motto, who will be interviewed by Mark Brooks. Then Daniel Salmon, Partner at New Street Research, will present "Current Worldwide Trends in Online Dating".
We have a half-hour of networking on virtual tables, followed by 50 mins of presentations and another short networking session. 1.5 hours all-in.
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an Internet dating company, then you are welcome to join IDEA for free and welcome to join LTR events for free.
See the LTR Edition 21 speakers and invite page here.
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.
This LTR is kindly sponsored by technology providers Livebox by The Meet Group, along with Courtland Brooks and Matchmaker.com