VICE – Shortly after Grindr employees announced plans to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, the LGBTQ dating app introduced a return-to-office policy, mandating staff to relocate or face termination. Employees believe this move is retaliatory against their unionizing efforts. Grindr claims the policy had been planned for months, but details like securing appropriate office space remain unresolved. The decision has been especially hard for trans workers, who view relocation as potentially jeopardizing their safety. The union has accused Grindr of using the policy as a means to counter the unionization efforts.
Category: Grindr
Grindr Announces Q&A Platform for Shareholders
BUSINESSWIRE – Grindr has opened a shareholder Q&A on the Say Technologies platform to enable shareholders to submit questions in connection with its upcoming earnings release. Grindr is scheduled to host a live discussion of its Q2 2023 earnings at 5:00PM EST on Wed, August 9, 2023.
Grindr Employees Move to Unionize for Better Benefits and LGBTQ+ Protection
BLOOMBERG – Employees of Grindr, the LGBTQ+ dating app, are seeking to unionize under the name "Grindr United" in partnership with the Communications Workers of America. The proposed union, supported by a significant majority of eligible employees, aims to maintain the company's benefits like remote work, paid time off, and trans-inclusive healthcare, and seeks to secure cost-of-living pay increases, gift matching, a professional development budget, and protection against layoffs. The employees hope to ensure pay transparency and wage equality for marginalized communities and maintain the company's vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. This move comes amidst the introduction of nearly 300 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. and allegations of Grindr's CEO supporting anti-LGBTQ politicians.
Half of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults Have Used Online Dating
PEW RESEARCH CENTER – A 2022 Pew Research survey reveals that 51% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults have used online dating, compared to 28% of straight adults. Younger LGB adults are more likely to use online dating than their older counterparts. Popular apps among LGB users include Tinder, HER, and Grindr. Experiences are mixed, with 61% reporting positive experiences, but many also encountering negative behaviors such as unsolicited explicit messages. Opinions are divided on the overall impact of online dating on relationships within the LGB community.
by Risa Gelles-Watnick
See full article at Pew Research Center
See the top news on Tinder
See the top news on HER
See the top news on Grindr
Grindr’s Journey After IPO: Aiming to Become the Quintessential LGBTQ+ Super-App
CNBC – Grindr, a dating platform for LGBTQ+ men, went public seven months ago and is now trading ~$6 per share. Since going public, CEO George Arison has been engaging with investors and focusing on innovation. Grindr aims to become a "gay super-app", serving not just as a dating platform but also a social network and community space. It has plans for further monetization through advertisement-free offerings and targeted ads. The company is looking to expand internationally and is exploring the incorporation of artificial intelligence in its services. Grindr has ~13M monthly active users worldwide.
Fired Grindr Executive Says App Places ‘Profit Over Privacy’
BLOOMBERG LAW – Former Grindr chief privacy officer, Ron De Jesus, has filed a lawsuit against Grindr, alleging wrongful termination following his objections to the company's "alarming" data privacy practices. According to De Jesus, Grindr has repeatedly violated state and international privacy laws by collecting, retaining, and sharing highly sensitive user data, including nude photos and HIV status, without explicit consent. That information was accessible by any employee or third-party vendor, he said. De Jesus' dismissal occurred shortly after raising these concerns in an email to the company's CFO. This lawsuit follows Grindr's $7M fine from the Norwegian Data Protection Agency for sharing user location and sexual orientation data with advertisers.
28% of Consumers Look for Love on Dating Apps in Early 2023
Grindr CEO Highlights How AI Could Transform Online Dating Experience
THE STREET – George Arison, CEO of Grindr, believes that AI will revolutionize online dating. He sees AI playing a significant role in weeding out scammers, helping users write messages, and finding more compatible matches. Arison envisions expanding the dating pool beyond local connections to include national and international options for long-term partners. AI can also improve the product by identifying spammers earlier and creating distractions for them. Arison anticipates a future where AI acts as a wingman or assistant, guiding users through the dating world and enhancing their relationships. He sees AI as a game-changing technology similar to the impact of mobile devices and is excited about its potential.
Grindr Wants to Be More Than a Sex App
HIV PLUS MAGAZINE – Grindr is implementing a new initiative, Together TakeMeHome, promoting sexual health in the LGBTQ+ community. This feature allows users to order free, at-home HIV tests. The project is a collaboration with leading health institutions, including Emory University and the CDC. With the click of a button, US users can order an OraQuick kit, an FDA-approved test, delivered to their homes within three to five days. The program has already distributed 125K HIV test kits and received ~10K orders on its launch day.
by Desirée Guerrero
See full article at HIV Plus Magazine
Grindr Inc. Reports First Quarter 2023 Earnings Results
PRESS RELEASE – Grindr reported a revenue of $55.8M, up 28% YOY. Gross profit grew to $41M, up 29% from the prior year. However, operating expenses increased by $9.4M, and operating income was $8.6M. The net loss for Q1 was $32.9M, primarily due to factors such as loss on fair value measurement, an income tax provision, and net interest expense. The Average Paying Users increased by 20% YOY, and the Average MAU reached 12.8M, a 9% growth.