Category: Grindr
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.
Grindr Launches Web Version
FAST COMPANY – Grindr is introducing a web version for paying users to access the platform on desktop computers. The web version, known as "Grindr Web," features larger photos and the ability to view six profiles at a time while chatting and browsing potential matches. Initially available to "XTRA" and Unlimited subscribers, Grindr Web may expand to non paying users during its beta phase.
Grindr Founder Joel Simkhai Shares His Favorite App Stories
OUT – Joel Simkhai, the founder of Grindr, shares memorable stories from users of the iconic dating app and discusses his latest venture, a new LGBTQ+ dating app called Motto. While acknowledging the shortcomings of existing apps, Simkhai aims to create a more authentic and personal experience with Motto by requiring three face photos and encouraging users to provide detailed information on their profiles. The app focuses on fostering connections while combating racism, transphobia, and hatred. Motto has launched in NYC and plans to expand across the United States.
Grindr Warns LGBTQ+ Users in Egypt of Police Entrapment
THE PINK NEWS – Grindr has issued a warning to its users in Egypt, urging them to be vigilant after reports that police are using the app to conduct sting operations and arrest LGBTQ+ individuals. Police are also reportedly hacking into legitimate user profiles on the app to make arrests. LGBTQ+ people in Egypt are facing increasing levels of violence and abuse from authorities, and digital platforms such as dating apps and social media are being used to facilitate this oppression.
by Joe Ali
See full article at The Pink News
Grindr Will Help Distribute Free at-home HIV Tests
The Top Ten Things I Learned About Match, Tinder and Grindr at The Online Dating Investors Summit
OPW – The Online Dating (Investors) Summit was hosted by New Street Research (NSR) with assistance from Courtland Brooks. Institutional investors and Match Group / Tinder, Grindr presented. In addition Courtland Brooks had guests: 12 CEOs of leading dating companies. Mark Brooks interviewed the CEO of happn, Karima ben Abdelmalek in one session. Mark also interviewed a panel of notable CEOs, namely Joel Simkhai, Founder of Grindr and Motto, and Carsten Boltz, CEO of Online Personals Group, and Paul Rider, CEO of SALT.
Here are the top ten things I learned from the sessions with Match, Tinder and Grindr. CEOs
MATCH GROUP – Bernard (CEO) and Gary (CFO)
1. They are shooting for Hinge reaching $822m revenue in 2025, and $400m in 2023. Its around $300m now. Through global expansion and improved monetization.
2. They are rolling at HingeX at $50 a month. Hinge Plus, meanwhile, went down from $35 to $30/mo.
3. Malgosia Green (POF's former CEO) agreed to move to Asia and now heads Hyperconnect.
4. Bernard doesn't see a gap in management that requires a CEO for Tinder. He assumes both now, and will continue to do so.
TINDER
5. Claims more LGBTQ representation than any other general dating app. Has doubled in size.
6. The League inspired them to start experimenting with a $500+/mo pricepoint. Ran a smoke test and 30% are clicking through to check it out. 70% of those clicking through are under 30.
GRINDR
7. In summer 2022 they tried their first a la carte offering. 1 hour boosts were successful.
8. They will move away from ads. Currently 15% of revenue, but this will go down.
9. Ads are the thing users complain about most.
10. There is a massive tailwind for Grindr Internationally are more countries open up to them from a Government / legal perspective. i.e. more acceptance of LGBTQ
This event will happen again. Watch this space. Overall, it was a great initiative, with 18 leading CXOs in attendance, and ~40 institutional investors coming through to talk to us.
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Dating Apps’ Patent Victories Challenged at Federal Circuit
BLOOMBERG – Grindr, eHarmony, Coffee Meets Bagel, and other dating apps are facing appeals of dismissed lawsuits that accused them of patent infringement. Wireless Discovery asked the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to reconsider a pair of Delaware federal district court orders that invalidated four of its asserted patents. Wireless Discovery had accused the dating apps of infringing patents covering social media technology that helps people meet online and exchange contact information.
by Kelcee Griffis
See full article at Bloomberg
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