AXIOS – Bumble plans to launch a new AI assistant called “Bee” later this year, according to CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. The feature is part of a broader industry push toward AI-assisted matchmaking, conversation support, and date planning tools. Other startups including Amata, Joey AI, and Known are also using AI for matchmaking conversations, automated date coordination, user verification, and reducing no-shows. Several platforms are shifting away from swipe-focused models toward AI-guided introductions and in-person meetups.