YAHOO FINANCE – Dating apps struggle to adapt to Gen Z preferences, favoring in-person connections over traditional swiping. While Grindr has thrived due to its broad social features within the gay community, other apps like Bumble and Tinder are rethinking their strategies to better resonate with younger users. Hinge has found success by focusing on serious relationships rather than swipe-based interactions. Despite Gen Z's shift toward offline interactions, dating apps still see growth, but they must innovate to remain relevant in this evolving market. Grindr shares are up by over 38% year-to-date, while Bumble is down by 58% in that same window. Match Group is down ~6% in 2024 but has seen a slight uptick in its share price over the past month.
Category: Grindr
Grindr Should Face Suit Over Death of Child App User, Judge Says
BLOOMBERG LAW – A magistrate judge recommended that most of the wrongful death and negligence claims against Grindr proceed in a case involving a minor, "A.V.," who died by suicide after using the LGBTQ+ dating app. The child's family alleges that Grindr's app features, which connect users based on physical type and location, contributed to A.V.'s emotional distress and death. Grindr argued for dismissal under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for user content. However, the judge found that Grindr's liability might stem from its own app features, not user-generated content, allowing the case to move forward.
Grindr Reports Strong Revenue Growth and $25M Operating Income in Q2 2024
PRESS RELEASE – Grindr reported a 34% increase in revenue for Q2 of 2024, reaching $82M, with an operating income of $25M. Despite a net loss, the company achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 45%. Grindr has raised its full-year guidance, anticipating a revenue growth of 27% or greater and an adjusted EBITDA margin of over 42%. The company attributes its success to continued global user growth and enhanced product offerings, aiming to further improve user experiences and drive growth.
Grindr Cooperates With Police After Alleged Homophobic Attacks in Canberra
ABC – Grindr is working with Aussie police to investigate three alleged homophobic attacks in Canberra, where men were reportedly lured by fake profiles, assaulted, and subjected to slurs. The app, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment, has teamed up with Canberra's LGBTQIA+ group Meridian to deliver in-app safety messages. Users are urged to verify identities via video call and meet in public places. Police are also investigating a potential link to a similar incident in New South Wales. In Victoria, police are addressing similar attacks on gay men, stressing vigilance and the importance of user safety.
Grindr Hires Daschle Group for Lobbying on HIV Prevention and IVF
STAT – Grindr has engaged The Daschle Group to lobby on HIV prevention and LGBTQ+ family formation challenges, including surrogacy and IVF. This move comes amid legislative debates over reproductive healthcare access. The Daschle Group, founded by former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, will focus on issues like PrEP access and IVF legislation. This represents Grindr's first significant foray into lobbying, highlighting its commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community's health and family planning needs.
by Nicholas Florko & Sarah Owermohle
See full article at Stat
Niche Dating Apps Thrive as Mainstream Rivals Struggle
FINANCIAL TIMES – Targeted dating apps are gaining traction as mainstream rivals like Tinder and Bumble face user declines. Apps like Grindr and Feeld attract specific communities, such as gay men and those interested in non-monogamy. Grindr's shares have doubled in 2023, contrasting with declining shares of Match Group and Bumble. Feeld has seen a 10% increase in users exploring open relationships and polyamory. These niche apps benefit from a deep understanding of their communities, leading to higher user loyalty and monetization opportunities. Match Group is shifting focus to niche products like Archer, for gay and bisexual men, and other demographically tailored apps to offset declines in mainstream platforms.
Priest Sues Grindr After Being Outed
WASHINGTON POST – Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, former top administrator of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, has sued Grindr for failing to protect his data, leading to his outing and resignation in 2021. Burrill claims Grindr did not inform users that their data could be accessed by vendors, which led to his personal information being exposed by a Catholic media site. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages and an order to prevent Grindr from releasing user data without notice. Grindr has denied the allegations, stating they are mischaracterizations of their data practices.
Grindr Blocks Explore Function in Paris Olympic Village
Grindr CEO Discusses AI’s Impact on Workforce and Founder Mindset
Tinder and Bumble are Tanking Because They Treat Men Badly, Grindr CEO Said
by Eva Roytburg
See full article at Fortune
See the top news on Tinder
See the top news on Grindr
See the top news on Bumble