WALL STREET JOURNAL – Grindr, a dating app best known for facilitating hookups between gay men, wants to get more into dating. The app is planning to add several new features aimed at helping its users, who are primarily gay and bisexual men, match up with others with the same intentions, from short-term sexual encounters to long-term relationships. The additions include using AI to identify users with shared interests. Grindr shares are up 17% this year, while Match is down 17% and Bumble has lost nearly a third of its value. This week, Grindr raised its revenue outlook for the year to ~25% growth from ~23% growth. It also forecasts between 20% and 25% annual revenue growth through 2027, equating to ~$600M in 2027 from ~$260 million in 2023.
Month: June 2024
“Chemistry Connection” With Adam Cohen Aslatei Now Streaming on Amazon Live
Bumble Joins Effort to Combat Non-Consensual Intimate Images
LINKEDIN – Bumble Inc. has joined the Center for Democracy & Technology's working group to tackle the creation, spread, and monetization of non-consensual intimate images (NCII), including AI-generated content. This initiative brings together technology companies, trust and safety practitioners, experts in online gender-based violence, and digital rights organizations to discuss effective interventions.
Announcing LTR Edition 33 With Brandon Wade (CEO of Seeking.com), and Jessica Alderson (co-Founder & CEO of So Syncd)
OPW – Edition 33 of the LTR (Love, Tech, Relationships) online experience will be on Wednesday, July 10th at 1pm EST (New York time).
In this edition we will hear from Brandon Wade, founder and CEO of Seeking.com, who will engage in a fireside chat with Mark Brooks. Then Jessica Alderson, co-Founder & CEO of So Syncd, will present "Lessons From a Dating Startup, and Our Pivot".
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 33 speakers and invite page here
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.
This LTR is kindly sponsored by ParshipMeet Group, RealMe, along with Courtland Brooks and Matchmaker.com.
Seeking.com Launches “Experience Modern Hypergamy” Campaign as Brandon Wade Returns as CEO
PR NEWSWIRE – Brandon Wade, who retired two years ago after his wedding to Dana Rosewall whom he met on Seeking.com, announces his return as CEO and the appointment of his wife as co-CEO. He will focus on restructuring the business to better align with the needs of Seeking's customers, revamping Seeking.com with a fresh new look. In her new role as co-CEO, Dana will continue her work empowering women and expanding Seeking's philanthropic initiatives. Their new campaign, "Experience Modern Hypergamy," emphasizes relationships that offer mutual growth and genuine connection, not just material wealth. The campaign includes a podcast series, "AskBrandonWade" to provide relationship advice and insights.
Tinder Supports LGBTQIA+ Community in India With New Initiatives
INDIAN TV – Tinder is celebrating Pride month by launching its first Queer Dating Starter Pack in collaboration with Gaysi Family, a queer-owned media platform in India. Additionally, Tinder announced the return of Queer Made Weekend, a festival supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, held in Mumbai and Delhi. Tinder India's marketing director, Anukool Kumar, highlighted the company's focus on authentic connections and inclusivity through campaigns like "You Up" and ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Review of AI-Powered Dating App Rizz
BUSINESS INSIDER – Rizz is an AI-powered dating app designed to generate pickup lines, responses and decode screenshots of conversations to help users build rapport and meet in person. It offers a free trial and subscriptions for $7 per week or $20 per month and currently has 7M downloads. The app focuses on moving users from texting to real-life meetings. Compared to other AI chatbots like Gemini and Character.Ai, Rizz is more tailored to dating but lacks the depth and personalization of more general AI platforms. For $20 a month, users might expect more comprehensive dating coach services.
Dating App Archer’s New Ads Say (Some) D*ck Pics Are Welcome
The Way We Like to Do Things at OPW.news – Full Credit to Journalists
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New AI Girlfriend App AngryGF Simulates Fights to Improve Communication Skills
IBTIMES – The AngryGF app stands out from typical AI girlfriend apps by simulating arguments to teach users how to handle conflicts in real relationships. AngryGF presents users with scenarios that could frustrate a real girlfriend, such as financial mishaps or jealousy-inducing compliments. Users score points by calming the virtual partner using effective communication techniques. While it aims to bridge communication gaps, some argue that genuine conversations or professional therapy may be more effective for real-world relationship success.