Category: Outlets – Tech Crunch
Dating App Blush Launches With $7M in Funding
TECH CRUNCH – Invite-only dating app Blush has raised $7M in seed funding to scale and expand its platform. Founded in Oct 2023 by Matthew Alfin, Blush is currently operational in LA and plans to extend to cities like Miami, New York, Chicago, and Austin. It matches users based on shared favorite local venues, aiming to make online dating more personal and connected to real-life experiences. Blush also hosts private community events for members and offers zodiac compatibility charts. Future plans include broadening its reach and introducing an AI dating coach to provide personalized dating advice.
by Aisha Malik
See full article at Tech Crunch
This post also appears on InternetDatingInvestments.com
Tinder’s New Warnings Inform Users When They’re Potentially Being Inappropriate
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder is introducing warnings for users aged 18-25 to promote respectful behavior, focusing on authenticity, respectfulness, and inclusiveness. These warnings, part of Tinder's safety initiatives, alert users about guideline violations and offer a chance for correction, with repeated offenses risking profile removal.
Match Group Hasn’t Yet Decided if It Will Opt Into Apple’s New DMA Rules
TECH CRUNCH – Match Group is undecided about adopting Apple's new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules in the EU, which allow for alternative app stores and third-party payments. During their Q4 2023 earnings call, CEO Gary Swidler expressed uncertainty about how the new regulations would affect their business, similar to concerns raised by Spotify and Microsoft. Apple's compliance with the DMA involves a new commission structure, including a "Core Technology Fee" for those opting in. Critics argue that these rules may not offer the expected benefits in an open app market. However, the European Commission has yet to accept Apple's proposal, leaving room for changes.
Match Group Promotes Faye Iosotaluno to Tinder CEO
TECH CRUNCH – Match Group has named Faye Iosotaluno as the new Tinder CEO, two years after the previous CEO Renate Nyborg left the company in August 2022. During that time, Match Group CEO Bernard Kim held the position. Iosotaluno has been working at the Match Group since 2017. She was promoted from the company’s chief strategy officer position to Tinder’s chief operating officer in 2022 when Nyborg departed. Nyborg is now building an AI companion startup backed by Sequoia and Andrew Ng’s AI Fund.
Tinder Redesigns Profile Pages With Prompts, Info Tags and Quiz
Dating App Hatched Brings Its Hidden Profile Concept
TECH CRUNCH – The dating app Hatched, which hides user profiles within egg icons that reveal through answering questions, has expanded to the East Coast and introduced new paid features. The app uses an in-app currency, "Yolks," for premium actions like "super hatch." Focused on fostering deeper connections through personality traits rather than physical appearance, Hatched provides questions designed by therapists to unlock profile information. The app limits users to six daily matches, with options to purchase more using Yolks.
Tinder Gets More Social by Letting Friends Play Matchmaker
Keepler: Bridging Dating Expertise With Community Support
TECH CRUNCH – Keepler is a new dating and relationship app that connects users with expert advice and community support. While it's free, professionals can offer paid services. The app features peer-to-peer advice tools and a "Wheel of Life" chart for self-assessment. Aimed at addressing modern dating challenges, it emphasizes the importance of community. Currently available on iOS, an Android version is underway.
Queer Social App Lex Gets a New CEO and $5.6M to Grow
TECH CRUNCH – Lex, an app inspired by vintage lesbian personals, has secured $5.6M in seed funding. The app's co-founder, Jennifer Lewis, has been promoted from COO to CEO, while the founding CEO, Kel Rakowski, becomes the chief creative officer. Michelle Parsons, previously from Hinge, has been appointed as the chief product officer. The app is popular among the LGBTQIA+ community in major cities like New York and LA, offering a platform for various social interactions beyond just dating. Recently, the app underwent a redesign emphasizing community over just hookups. The new funds will be used for expansion. Their monetization strategy will differ significantly from major platforms like Facebook or TikTok, emphasizing in-person meet-ups over prolonged app usage.
by Harri Weber
See full article at Tech Crunch
This post also appears on InternetDatingInvestments.com