by Ethan M. Steinberg
See full article at Wall Street Journal
Month: August 2023
Dr. Jessica Griffin – Relationship Rx: Research-based Strategies and Effective Tools for Couples on Reality TV and in Real Life
LTR – Dr. Jessica Griffin is a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in childhood trauma and family assessment. She is a relationship expert known for appearances on media outlets like NPR, Fox News, and Insider. Dr. Griffin is the CEO of Lovebuilder, Inc., offering online relationship training. She co-authored "Relationship Rx: Prescriptions for Lasting Love and Deeper Connection" with Dr. Pepper Schwartz.
Dr. Griffin highlights the importance of relational health and its impact on well-being. She discusses how stress affects relationships and attachment styles, such as secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Addressing the fear of change, she introduces a problem-solving strategy for couples. Dr. Griffin also presents the cognitive triangle, showing how changing thoughts affects emotions and behaviors. Topics covered include physical touch, finances, communication patterns, household responsibilities, and parenting. She emphasizes that relationships are crucial, suggesting strategies for maintaining healthy relationships.
The August LTR was kindly sponsored by technology provider Livebox by The Meet Group, Courtland Brooks and Matchmaker.com
Background Check Provider Garbo Ends Its Partnership With Match Group
by Sarah Perez
See full article at Tech Crunch
Also read the Wall Street Journal article
Mark Brooks: Background checks are a very tough nut to crack and require extremely nuanced knowledge on how to combine numerous databases to properly serve our dating context. This challenge remains undone, but there are a couple of promising providers.
Disability-Focused Dating App Dateability Plans Friendship Expansion
COLORADO INNO – Denver-based dating app Dateability, designed for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, aims to expand its services to foster platonic friendships. Launched in Oct 2022 with a current user base of 7K, the platform plans to enhance user experience by emphasizing non-superficial connections and highlighting interests before appearance. The app's creation was inspired by co-founder Jacqueline Child's personal challenges with dating due to her chronic illness. As they approach their first anniversary, the founders are actively seeking venture capital to further develop and improve the platform.
Betterhalf Appoints Asha Ji (Sheeba Chaddha) as Chief Matchmaking Officer
MEDIABRIEF – Betterhalf introduces "Asha Ji", the first-ever Chief Matchmaking Officer, portrayed by acclaimed actress Sheeba Chaddha. Asha Ji's introduction adds a personal touch to the AI-powered matchmaking, providing a relatable conversational experience for users through Whatsapp, backed by Sheeba Chaddha's voice and persona.
eharmony Launches New Features for LGBTQ Users
Clover Files for Bankruptcy
OPW – Dating app Clover ist kaput. The dating app has filed for bankruptcy and shuttered. See prior news. They raised $13.7m in a SPAC deal in 2022 and $12m in growth capital in 2021. Another entry to our Dead Pool alas…unless someone resurrects them.
The industry is going through a post covid hiccup stage. Those left standing will be well situated. This is an industry where incumbents who can maintain critical mass beyond primary metros, win. Tough times for a little while. Now is the time to innovate, stay strong, be bold.
Grindr Reports Q2 Revenue Growth of 32%
BUSINESSWIRE – Revenue grew 32% YOY to $61.5M, reflecting the app's strong performance of its subscription offerings, a la carte features, and advertising. Operating income was $13.9M, net income was $22.3M, and Adjusted EBITDA expanded to $26.9M.
Plenty Of Fish Did a Hard Reset on Its Brand and Media Mix
AD EXCHANGER – As an early online dating brand, the Match Group-owned company, founded in 2003 in Vancouver, Canada, has had to stay on its toes to remain relevant. Over the years, Plenty of Fish has evolved from a website only to iOS and Android apps and other channels like in-app video calls, voice memos and live streaming. Plenty of Fish underwent a significant rebrand to target users aged 25-35. They launched new features like an in-app game and emphasized its stand against face filters. To bolster its new image, they diversified their ad spend across online platforms, CTV, and offline channels in New York and Texas. This rebranding doubled their platform engagement, increased app installs, and reduced registration costs, emphasizing genuine connections over superficial interactions.
Natacha Noël Partners With MillionaireMatch to Host Matchmaking Event in New York City
BUSINESSWIRE – Elite matchmaker Natacha Noël has partnered with millionaire dating service, MillionaireMatch, to host a special matchmaking event titled "3 Introductions and a Lawyer" on August 17 at The Knickerbocker Hotel, Time Square. The event aims to connect successful singles and will feature a keynote by matrimonial lawyer, Chaim Steinberger, discussing love choices in today's society. VIP attendees will receive personalized matches from Noël.