CBS NEWS – In the "Changing the Game" series, CBS highlights extraordinary women making a significant impact now and for future generations. Jacqueline and Alexa Child, inspired by Jacqueline's personal challenges in dating due to chronic illnesses, launched "Dateability" in 2022. This free dating app caters to individuals with disabilities, and as of now, it boasts ~17K users across North America.
Month: March 2024
Henning Rönneberg Is Stepping Down as CFO and COO of ParshipMeet Group After 15 Years
PRESS RELEASE – Henning Rönneberg is departing from his role as CFO and COO of ParshipMeet Group on April 8th, after over 15 years, to pursue new endeavors, leaving on amicable terms. During his tenure, Rönneberg significantly contributed to the company's growth, international expansion, and successful acquisitions, transforming it into a leading online dating provider. David Lorbacher will assume CFO duties temporarily. ParshipMeet Group, boasting brands like Parship, ElitePartner, and LOVOO, generated €434M in revenue in 2023, with a team of 535 employees. The company is part of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, which owns a 52% stake.
Dating App Feeld Grapples With Tech Issues as Non-Monogamy Gains Popularity
RAW Uses Live Activities to Combat Catfishing
LINKEDIN – Apple's Live Activities feature, introduced in iOS 16 for real-time updates on the lock screen, has yet to see widespread adoption despite its potential. In contrast, the dating app RAW is leveraging Live Activities to enhance user authenticity and connection by introducing a novel feature that prompts users for unfiltered live photos at random times. This approach not only combats the prevalent issues of catfishing and facetuning in online dating but also aims to foster a community valuing realness.
Match Group Sues CupidBot Developer for AI Bots Posing as Suitors on Tinder
LAW.COM – Match Group is suing CupidBot's developer for using AI bots to pose as human suitors, bypassing Tinder's security measures. The lawsuit alleges trademark violations and computer fraud, claiming CupidBot's AI engages in deceptive conversations and encourages users to subscribe to OnlyFans. CupidBot also allegedly requires users to rate Tinder profiles based on attractiveness and other criteria, which Match Group says promotes discrimination. The complaint seeks injunctions and cites multiple trademark infringements. CupidBot's owner, Ludovico Verniani, has denied the allegations and suggested an acquisition or settlement.
The Coffee Meets Bagel’s Journey
THE NEXT HINT – Coffee Meets Bagel is a San Francisco-based dating app that emphasizes serious relationships with features like detailed profiles and limited matches to encourage thoughtful engagement. Launched in 2012 by sisters Arum, Dawoon, and Soo Kang, the app gained popularity after appearing on Shark Tank in 2015. Initially funded by Lightbank and a co-founder of Match.com with $600K, it later rejected a $30M offer from Mark Cuban on the show, and has since raised $23.2M in funding. However, it faced challenges such as a data leak in 2019 and a system outage in 2023. As of 2024, it struggles to gain users amidst competition from Hinge and Tinder. Coffee Meets Bagel claims to generate $16M in annual revenue.
Social Discovery Group Launches Dating App Kiseki in Japan
PRESS RELEASE – Social Discovery Group has expanded into the Japanese market with the launch of Kiseki, a platform for singles seeking international connections. This move is part of the company's global growth strategy. Kiseki offers features like real-time translation to facilitate cross-border communication. Social Discovery Group, with a portfolio of 70 brands including Dating.com, DateMyAge, and Dil Mil, reported $400M in revenue and significant growth in user engagement in the past year.
Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones Discusses AI’s Role in Dating and Empowering Women
Parship and Viva con Agua Collaborate for “Water Is a Human Right” Campaign
A Third of Bumble’s Texas Workforce Moves out After ‘Heartbeat Act’
TECH CRUNCH – A third of Bumble's Texas workforce moved out of the state after the passage of the 'Heartbeat Act' abortion bill. The company supports remote work and has joined a lawsuit against the Texas abortion law, citing its impact on business and talent retention. Bumble has also enhanced healthcare benefits to cover reproductive rights.