EIN NEWSWIRES – Michael Kelly, an entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, has launched "Stay In Your Lane," an online dating app prioritizing user safety and authenticity. Drawing on 16 years of personal experience, the app addresses common dating platform issues such as fake profiles and outdated photos. Key features include facial recognition, timestamped selfies, live video chats, and privacy tools like screenshot protection. The app offers an ad-free experience with free unlimited messaging and visibility of profile likes.
Month: January 2025
Grindr: $17 per Share Offers Strong Value
SEEKING ALPHA – Grindr presents an opportunity at 23x forward free cash flow, balancing revenue growth and profitability. Despite $260M in net debt, the company's consistent 45% EBITDA margins and projected 26% YOY revenue growth in 2025 make it attractive. Grindr's focus on monetization and user engagement bolsters its potential, with 2025 free cash flow estimated at $130M. Risks include slowing growth, competitive pressure, and challenges scaling further, but at $17 per share, it's a promising entry point for investors.
by Michael Wiggins De Oliveira
See full article at Seeking Alpha
Dating Apps Must Block Under-18s by July After Child Abuse Cases
MSN – UK communications regulator Ofcom has mandated dating apps to implement strict age verification by July 2025 to prevent under-18s from accessing their platforms. This decision follows reports linking Grindr to over 130 child abuse cases since 2019, including four rapes in 2024. Under the Online Safety Act, dating apps are classified as "user-to-user" services and must adopt robust age checks, such as photo ID verification, facial age estimation, or banking data. Companies failing to comply face fines of up to £18M or 10% of global revenue.
Internet Dating Jobs Listing Update – January 2025
OPW – The new Internet dating jobs listing is live on the Internet Dating Jobs blog.
Below see a couple of this month's most interesting offers:
ParshipMeet Group
Business Controller
Bumble
Associate Director, Internal Communications
Grindr
Director of Product Management, Trust & Safety
Match Group
Director, Product AI
Matrimony.com
Chief Financial Officer
Social Discovery Ventures
Chief Financial Officer
Spark Networks
Paid Media Director
To see more open positions go here.
Do you have an idating industry job offer which is not included? Please, send it to tips@onlinepersonalswatch.com and we will add it to the list.
Hinge’s New AI Feature Determines if Users’ Prompt Response Is Too Basic
TECH CRUNCH – Hinge has introduced “Prompt Feedback,” an AI-powered tool using OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini to help users write better profile answers. It provides three types of feedback: “Go a Little Deeper,” “Try a Small Change,” and “Great Answer,” aiming to replace generic responses with more specific ones. The feature addresses a common issue, as 63% of daters struggle with what to write on their profiles. This tool is part of Match Group’s $20–$30M investment in AI, which also includes Tinder’s photo selector tool.
Dating App Breeze Simplifies Dating by Planning First Dates
DAZED – Breeze is a dating app that eliminates pre-date chatting by matching users and directly scheduling their first date. Each evening, the app releases seven profiles, and if a match occurs, users share their availability. Breeze then books a date at a partner venue, charges a £9.50 deposit, and opens a chat function two hours before the meeting. Strict cancellation policies, including account freezes and deposit forfeiture, aim to ensure commitment. The app prioritizes safety, with venue staff aware of the dates and post-date feedback, allowing users to rate experiences.
Unveiling the Agenda: New York Conference Set for March 19th, 2025
OPW – Global Dating Insights and Social Discovery Insights will host a one-day industry conference in New York on March 19th, bringing together key players in the online dating space. Speakers include executives from Spark, Happn, Inner Circle, Pure, UrbanMatch, Down, and more, with Mark Brooks, CEO of the Internet Dating Excellence Association, presenting on the industry's growth trajectory. Mark will focus on trends like AI-driven matchmaking, the rise of niche apps, and new market opportunities. Panel discussions will cover scaling platforms, funding challenges, and strategies for user retention and global expansion. Early bird tickets are available until January 31st.
Mark Brooks: See you there. Tickets are at early-bird pricing of $379 right now, which I think is a steal for the value offered here!
GDI Podcast With Mark Brooks of IDEA (Internet Dating Excellence Association)
GDI – In this episode, Mark Brooks, founder of the Internet Dating Excellence Association (IDEA), talks about the current state of online dating and matchmaking. He shares his thoughts on Social Discovery and what the future might hold for the industry. As the leader of the only agency-consultancy focused on this market, Mark gives practical advice for startups looking to launch their own brands. The conversation also covers how to maintain a good work-life balance and stay up-to-date with industry trends, and a quickfire round where Mark shares his favorite podcast and book and what he’d be doing if he weren’t in the online dating business.
Reminder: LTR Edition 39 Happening This Wednesday, January 15th
OPW – Don't miss LTR (Love, Tech, Relationships) Edition 39 this Wednesday, January 15th, at 1pm EST (New York time). Join us for an insightful edition featuring Steve Baker, former FTC director, and fraud detection expert, in an engaging fireside chat with Mark Brooks. Together, they’ll unpack the evolving landscape of trust and safety in online dating and reveal why the FTC plays a critical role in protecting users. Next, Anthony Pratkanis, acclaimed psychology expert, author of The Persuasion Age and The Age of Propaganda, and Professor Emeritus at UC Santa Cruz, takes the stage. He’ll delve into the psychology behind scams, sharing insights from his research on fraud, social influence, and consumer behavior.
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an Internet dating company, you are welcome to join IDEA and LTR events for free.
See the LTR Edition 39 speakers and registration page here
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.
This LTR is kindly sponsored by Dating Through Curiosity, RealMe, Courtland Brooks, and Matchmaker.com.
Discover our collection of past LTR videos packed with insights and expertise - explore them here.
CarpeDM and Unskrypted CEOs Discuss Dating Trends and Upcoming Event
FOX5DC – CarpeDM Matchmaking Service Founder Naza Shelley and Unskrypted CEO Folasadé Ogunmokun joined Fox to talk about dating trends for the new year and their upcoming event, The Dating Game Live at Penn Social on February 8, 2025. From the best and worst first date behaviors to who should pick up the check, they shared their insights on modern dating etiquette while teasing the exciting game-show-style event where singles and couples can connect, laugh, and create unforgettable memories.