THE VERGE – Several dating apps linked to a China-based AI catfishing operation remained available through Apple and Google after Anthropic discovered the network. The apps included Dora, Romi, Doni, Jovia, Luma, GraceChat, Kira, Nalo and Eterna. Most were removed during August and September, but Kira was still available on Google Play as of Sep 16. The apps reportedly concealed their AI personas and external payment systems during the review process.
OPW – Global Dating Insights (GDI) has been acquired by Courtland Brooks, the online dating consultancy founded by Mark Brooks. The acquisition begins a new chapter for GDI, almost 13 years after Simon Corbett founded the publication in 2013. Since then, the GDI editorial team has published thousands of news stories, interviews, features and analysis pieces, alongside the GDI Podcast, annual Power Book, special reports, newsletters and other industry content. The deal brings together two businesses that have worked closely within the online dating industry for many years. “The acquisition comes at a time of major change in online dating, driven by AI, regulation, safety concerns, new revenue models and consolidation. GDI will continue covering these issues and the people and companies shaping the industry,” Mark Brooks said.
LTR – In this conversation, Mark Brooks sits down with Eric Strauss, former Founder and CEO of Cupid.com and President of Transworld Business Brokers in Manhattan, to explore the realities of building a business with an eventual exit in mind.
Eric reflects on the sale of Cupid.com and Regional Help Wanted, before sharing lessons from his years helping entrepreneurs sell their companies. They discuss how to prepare a business for acquisition, why clean and transparent financials matter, how valuation and pricing affect the sales process, and why overpricing can actually make it harder to attract serious buyers.
The conversation also explores how buyers are identified, how a competitive process can help drive the best outcome, and why founders should start preparing for a sale long before they are ready to put their business on the market.
[**See the video here on YouTube**]
The February LTR was kindly sponsored by HubPeople, LeadThink and Courtland Brooks
INC – Wellness-focused dating and social platform ATEAM has launched its app after building a 10K+ person waitlist and hosting ~30 IRL events attended by 2K people. The $39.99/month membership connects people around shared health and wellness values for both romantic and platonic relationships. ATEAM has partnerships with SoulCycle and Lifetime Fitness and backing from a 35-person investor group, including former NFL player Dale Moss. After launching in New York, it plans to expand to Miami, West Palm Beach, Austin, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
GDI – Mark Brooks spoke with Christopher Alesich, founder and CEO of Sister Wives and Matchmakers. Sister Wives is a dating site for people looking for polyamorous or polygamous relationships. Christopher Alesich discussed why mainstream dating apps do not work well for this market. He talked about changes to the Sister Wives matching system and Matchmakers’ 200-question matchmaking process. He also plans to launch more dating brands.
OPW – The next LTR online dating industry conference is tomorrow (September 2nd at 12 PM EST). Mark Brooks will interview Markus Frind, founder and former CEO of Plenty of Fish. This promises to be a fascinating conversation with one of the industry’s most successful founders. Don’t miss it!
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating, social discovery, or matchmaking company, you are welcome to join LTR events for free.
Why attend LTR?
🏠 Flexible: Attend from anywhere – no travel required.
⏰ Convenient: Live session. 90 minutes.
💰 Free: No registration fees.
See the LTR Edition 54 speakers and invite page here.
This event is kindly sponsored by HubPeople, LeadThink, and Matchmaker.com.
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.
LTR – In this conversation, Mark Brooks sits down with Matthew Gain, CEO of ParshipMeet Group, to explore how one of Europe’s leading dating companies is evolving in a rapidly changing industry.
Matthew shares his perspective on the unique dynamics of dating businesses, the evolution of brands such as eHarmony, Parship, ElitePartner, and MeetMe, and the growing opportunity in the 40+ dating market.
The conversation also dives into some of the biggest questions shaping dating today: how AI should and shouldn’t be used in the customer experience, the growing importance of trust and safety, the future of compatibility and matchmaking, and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of the industry.
[**See the video here on YouTube**]
The February LTR was kindly sponsored by HubPeople, LeadThink and Courtland Brooks
OPW – An update to the online dating jobs listing is live here.
Below, see a couple of this month’s most interesting offers:
Bumble – Creative Director
Ditto AI – Head of Product
FFN – Director of Finance and Accounting Operations
Grindr – Director of Product, Ads
Hinge – Director of AI, Dating Outcomes
Hornet – Brazil Country Manager
Match Group – VP of Product Management, Trust & Safety
Matrimony – CFO
Muzz – Head of Safety and Support
Reflex Media – VP of People
Social Discovery Ventures – CTO (Cupid Media)
Together Light – VP of Talent
Do you have an idating industry job offer that is not included? Please, send it to tips@onlinepersonalswatch.com and we will add it to the list.
36KR – Chinese AI matchmaking startup Liangpei Technology has raised RMB15M ($2.2M) in angel funding from Capital Today for a 20% stake. Its AI matchmaker verifies users through real-name checks, facial recognition, and a 20-minute voice interview, then introduces one compatible person at a time instead of offering swipe-based browsing. The company launched its product 40 days ago and has registered ~10K users. Founder Zeng Xinxun previously worked on search recommendations at WeChat and TikTok and led AI search at Kimi.
OPW – The next LTR online dating industry conference is on September 2nd at 12 PM EST. In this edition, Mark Brooks will interview Markus Frind, founder and former CEO of Plenty of Fish. They will discuss how Markus built and ran one of the world’s largest dating platforms, the lessons he learned along the way, and his views on the dating industry today. This promises to be a fascinating conversation with one of the industry’s most successful founders. Don’t miss it!
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating, social discovery, or matchmaking company, you are welcome to join LTR events for free.
Why attend LTR?
🏠 Flexible: Attend from anywhere – no travel required.
⏰ Convenient: Live session. 90 minutes.
💰 Free: No registration fees.
See the LTR Edition 54 speakers and invite page here.
This event is kindly sponsored by HubPeople, LeadThink, and Matchmaker.com.
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.