DECCAN CHRONICLE – Dating app happn has launched Perfect Date, an AI-powered feature designed to reduce the stress of planning first dates. It offers personalized venue suggestions based on user profiles, habits, and preferences. In partnership with Foursquare, it integrates real-world location data for accurate, local recommendations. CEO Karima Ben Abdelmalek says the feature aims to support natural, thoughtful interactions, especially for Gen Z and millennials seeking low-pressure, authentic dating experiences. The tool functions like a real-time concierge, suggesting date spots tailored to mood, proximity, and shared interests.
Month: June 2025
Grindr Surges Ahead as Bumble Struggles With Losses and Dating App Fatigue
FAST COMPANY – While Bumble struggles with declining revenue, user losses, and a 30% workforce reduction, Grindr is growing, posting a 25% YOY revenue increase and a rising stock price. Under CEO George Arison, Grindr has focused on innovation, launching features like Right Now and Albums, expanding into telemedicine (Woodwork), and targeting both dating and non-dating use cases within one app. Grindr's monthly active users grew to 14.5M, while Bumble lost 100K paying users in 2025. Arison criticizes rivals for focusing too much on monetization without product innovation, contrasting it with Grindr's strategy of building first, then monetizing. Unlike Bumble, which spun off Bumble for Friends into a separate app, Grindr integrates friendship and dating into one platform, aligning with its broader vision to become a "global gayborhood."
Supreme Court Halts Case Against Shaadi Over $12K Fraud Complaint
STARDUPPEDIA – The Supreme Court of India has stayed criminal proceedings against Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal, following a complaint by a Hyderabad woman who was defrauded by a man using a fake profile on the platform. The man, posing as a groom, allegedly scammed her out of ₹10 lakh ($12K) and later threatened her. Mittal was added as an accused during the investigation of Shaadi.com's alleged failure to verify the scammer's identity, especially since it offers paid services. Mittal's legal team argued the fraudster verified his account only via mobile OTP, and that the victim chose to interact and send money outside the app. The Supreme Court has paused the investigation and requested a response from Telangana Police.
by Ishita Ganguly
See full article at Stardupppedia
Grindr’ Chief Product Officer AJ Balance Leads Shift Toward Smarter, Intentional LGBTQ+ Connection
TECHROUND – AJ Balance, Grindr's Chief Product Officer since 2021, is a longtime user of the app and previously led product at Uber and co-founded Dispatcher Inc. His personal connection to Grindr, using it during his own coming out, drives his vision to expand the platform beyond dating. Under his leadership, Grindr has launched features like Roam (pre-travel connections), Right Now (real-time intent), and AI tools like Wingman and A-List to manage conversations and boost engagement. Balance is steering Grindr toward deeper, more intentional connections as user expectations shift. The 2025 roadmap includes expanded AI, cultural content, and tools to support queer connections globally.
Complaint Says Bumble Feature Connected to OpenAI Violates EU Data Privacy Rules
THE RECORD – Privacy group noyb has filed a complaint in Austria against Bumble, alleging that its Icebreakers feature in the Bumble for Friends app violates EU GDPR regulations. The feature, launched in Dec 2023 and powered by OpenAI, analyzes user profiles to generate pre-written messages. According to noyb, this is done without valid consent, sufficient transparency, or a clear legal basis for sharing personal and sensitive data with a third party. Instead of requesting direct consent, Bumble uses pop-ups that prompt users to click "Okay." Noyb claims this creates a false sense of choice and pressures users into agreeing without understanding they are sharing data with OpenAI.
Grindr CEO George Arison Defends Return-to-Office Move, Doubles Down on AI and Expansion
SEMAFOR – Grindr CEO George Arison, who took over in late 2022, faced major backlash after enforcing a return-to-office policy. ~60% of staff left, and the company was hit with a labor law complaint for the policy. Despite this, Arison remains unapologetic, citing a stronger team, a 25% revenue increase, and a stock price that has more than doubled. He’s refocusing Grindr on a startup-style execution, launching side ventures like Woodwork (for ED medication) and expanding into AI-powered products, health, and travel. Arison prioritizes senior hires with AI expertise and uses AI tools personally to speed up planning and communication. He views risk-taking and cultural reset as key to Grindr’s next growth phase.
Gay Dating App Archer Launches ‘Looking for Modes’ as Users Prioritize Dating Over Hookups
GAYETY – Archer, a dating app for gay and queer men, has launched a redesign featuring "Looking For Modes," allowing users to specify their intent – Hookup, Date, or Friends – each time they open the app. The update responds to findings from Archer's user trends report The Naked Truth, which shows users are nearly 6× more likely to seek a husband than a hookup.
Sitch’s New Dating App Fuses Human Matchmaking and AI
TECH CRUNCH – Sitch is a New York-based dating app that combines human matchmaking methods with AI. It uses large language models to analyze user data and generate curated match suggestions without swiping. Users complete a detailed onboarding process with around 50 questions, via text or voice. Matches are presented by the AI, and if both users agree, they're placed in a group chat with the bot. Users can provide post-date feedback to improve future matches. The app charges per setup: 3 matches for $89.99, 5 for $124.99, and 8 for $159.99. Profiles are manually reviewed to ensure quality. Sitch has raised $7M in funding, including $5M from M13 and a16z speedrun. The app is currently only available on iOS and operates exclusively in New York, with plans to expand.
Bumble to Lay off 30% of Its Workforce
TECH CRUNCH – Bumble is laying off 30% of its workforce (~240 jobs) as part of a restructuring plan to focus on product and technology. The company expects to save $40M annually and reinvest most of it into development. It will incur $13-$18M in severance-related costs in Q3 and Q4 2025. This is Bumble's second major layoff in two years – the last was in February 2024, cutting 350 jobs. Despite weak Q1 earnings, the company raised its Q2 revenue forecast and saw its stock rise 20% after the layoff announcement. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO in March 2025. Match has also laid off staff amid slowing user growth.
Elite Matchmaking Surges as Dating App Fatigue Grows
BLOOMBERG – Elite matchmaking services are seeing record demand as users grow frustrated with dating apps. Three Day Rule reported its highest monthly sales in 15 years. Clients pay thousands, sometimes six figures, for services including background checks, match curation, and dating advice. Tinder's paid user base has declined for eight consecutive quarters. Meanwhile, firms like NYCity Matchmaking are hiring additional staff to meet rising demand, particularly among men aged 23–30. The film Materialists, about luxury matchmaking, has helped push the trend into the spotlight, debuting with $12M in box office sales.
by Ignacio Gonzales & Lara Sanli
See full article at Bloomberg