OPW – Dating app SIZZL has partnered with OneID, a government-certified identity verification provider, to combat fake profiles and online scams. Using open banking technology, OneID verifies users' identities in seconds, ensuring they are real, over 18, and who they claim to be. This step addresses the growing problem of AI-generated profiles and aligns with the accountability standards of the UK's Online Safety Act.
Month: November 2024
The Business of Love: Match Group on “Under the Radar”
OPW – On Under the Radar by Money Matters, host Chua Tian Tian interviewed Malgosia Green, CEO of Match Group Asia, about the company's strategy. In Japan, Match Group's Pairs accounts for 1 in 10 marriages with 20M users. The discussion touched on Match Group's Q3 income of $211M and its exit from live-streaming services like Hakuna. Green shared insights into Pairs' success and its potential to replicate the model in other Asian markets.
Best Nights VC: Investing in Online Dating With Offline Focus
GLOBAL VENTURING – Best Nights VC, Mast-Jägermeister's venture arm, targets startups that bridge the gap between online interactions and real-world connections. Their portfolio includes Thursday, a dating app that operates exclusively on Thursdays to encourage real-life meetups and other social platforms like Lex and 222 that foster meaningful in-person interactions.
by Fernando Moncada Rivera
See full article at Global Venturing
Jewzz: a Dating App for Jewish Singles From Matzoball Founder
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL – Andy Rudnick, founder of the Matzoball Jewish singles events, launched JEWZZ in April to connect Jewish singles and has already attracted 15K users. The app features live speed dating, video calls, and basic matchmaking tools, with premium options for advanced features. Rudnick personally screens new applicants to ensure a safe environment. Rudnick, who has been operating the famed Matzoball Jewish singles gatherings since 1987, says he screens for inappropriate language, photos, and conversations. He said he rejects ~10% of potential new members.
by Lois K. Solomon
See full article at South Florida Sun Sentinel
Are Dating Apps Reinforcing Racial Bias?
AFRO.COM – Dating apps claim to connect us, but their algorithms may do the opposite. Research shows dating platforms often reinforce racial biases, scoring users based on beauty standards rooted in European aesthetics – like lighter skin, straight hair, and symmetry. This leaves Black women and other people of color at a disadvantage, as their profiles are less likely to be shown to potential matches. While algorithms play a role, user behavior matters too. Every swipe shapes the app's recommendations, offering a chance to challenge mainstream beauty norms. To make dating apps inclusive, users and developers must push for changes that prioritize racial equity and fairness in matchmaking.
by Apryl Williams
See full article at Afro.com
Matrimony.com Expands Into Job Market With ManyJobs.com Launch
DECCAN HERALD – Matrimony.com, a company known for online matchmaking, has launched ManyJobs.com, a job portal focusing on Tamil and English speakers, targeting job seekers in India's domestic market.
MillionaireMatch Launches Confidentiality Guard to Enhance User Privacy
PR NEWSWIRE – All MillionaireMatch members are now required to agree to the Confidentiality Guard™ before using features like swiping, searching, chatting, or messaging. Under this agreement, members are prohibited from disclosing other users' profile details, private conversations, or any confidential information to third-party platforms. This confidentiality also extends to offline interactions, including coffee dates and other in-person meetings between members. Founded in 2001, MillionaireMatch connects successful professionals and high-net-worth individuals for serious relationships.
Tinder Launches Verified QT Campaign in Australia
TINDER PRESS ROOM – Tinder has announced a nationwide Verified QT initiative in Australia to promote user safety and profile authenticity. In partnership with WESNET (which supports domestic violence survivors in Australia), Tinder encourages users to complete ID and Photo Verification, enhancing their profiles and match rates while supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Key highlights include:
- Bondi Beach Event (29 Nov): Photos taken by a professional and advice from an expert.
- Fundraising: Tinder will donate $1 to WESNET (for every ID + Photo Verification completed between 12 Nov and 6 Dec 2024, up to AUD $20,000
- Profiles verified via video selfie and government ID receive a blue tick
Marriage Pact Returns to Fordham for Another Year of Matchmaking
THE FORDHAM RAM – Marriage Pact returned to Fordham University, engaging 1,567 students in its matchmaking survey, which uses an algorithm to pair participants based on romantic compatibility. The survey included questions on topics like communication style and political preferences, with matches sent out after the questionnaire closed. Due to uneven gender ratios and varying orientations, some participants received friendship matches.
Insights From an Online Dating Business Expert: Mark Brooks
CUPID'S COACH PODCAST – In the world of online dating, few voices are as knowledgeable as Mark Brooks, an online dating business expert. Mark highlights that individuals in tertiary cities now have better access to dating options compared to the past. Major online dating players serve the small markets best, offering more choices for singles. Despite the rise of online dating, the role of matchmakers hasn't diminished. Online dating has been a wallet opener for real-world matchmaking services. The key benefits of working with matchmakers are the pre-date preparation and post-date feedback they offer.
Mark notes that it's not uncommon for men to overlook fantastic candidates simply because they don't fit a narrow set of criteria. Visual biases can hinder their chances of finding meaningful relationships. Women often feel overwhelmed by options that don't meet their expectations. Effective matchmaking hinges on understanding both partners' needs and preferences while also encouraging flexibility.
Mark is optimistic about the future. He envisions a merging of online dating and matchmaking that leverages technology while maintaining a personal touch. Clients who are growth-oriented and willing to engage in self-reflection will likely find more success in their dating journeys. The focus will shift from merely finding a partner to building lasting, meaningful relationships. The online dating landscape is ripe for innovation.
[**See the video here on Youtube**]