GDI – Courtland Brooks CEO Mark Brooks interviewed Surf Dating CEO and co-founder Rob Long about the company’s grid-based platform, which lets users search for potential matches by interests, communities, and affiliations such as HYROX and the World Surf League. Long explained why Surf prioritizes user-controlled discovery over AI matchmaking and uses manual profile verification. He also discussed Surf’s HYROX partnership, viral blind-date events, fundraising plans, and international expansion strategy.
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Facebook Introduces Free Verification
TECH CRUNCH – Facebook is rolling out Facebook Verified, a free system that allows users to confirm they are real people by taking a selfie. A verification check mark will appear on their profiles across Facebook Dating, Marketplace and Groups. The system is separate from the paid Meta Verified subscription and is intended to help users assess the authenticity of people they interact with.
Arya Acquires Couples App Flamme
BUSINESS INSIDER – Relationship wellness startup Arya has acquired couples app Flamme, which has ~200K users. The apps will remain separate while Arya adds its AI-powered subscriptions, coaching, and e-commerce tools. The deal is Arya’s first acquisition following its recent $21M funding round and marks the start of its strategy to acquire more relationship and women’s health apps.
Hinge Founder Raises $18M for AI Matchmaking Startup Overtone
TECH CRUNCH – Justin McLeod, founder of Hinge, has raised $18M for his new company, Overtone. It is an AI-powered matchmaking service that will use AI and voice conversations to understand users and make a small number of carefully curated introductions, explaining why each match is a good fit. The app is backed by Match Group, FirstMark Capital, and Pace Capital. The company also announced that relationship expert Esther Perel has joined its board alongside Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff.
From Bumble to Overtone: Lucille McCart Joins Justin McLeod’s AI Matchmaking Startup
OPW – Lucille McCart has joined AI matchmaking startup Overtone as Head of Communications, following nearly seven years at Bumble where she held senior communications and marketing leadership roles across Australia, APAC and globally. Overtone is a voice- and AI-powered matchmaking service focused on curated introductions rather than swiping. Announcing the move on LinkedIn, McCart highlighted the company’s mission, quoting McLeod: “Who we choose to build a life with shapes our happiness more than almost anything else. That choice is too important to be left to chance, and too personal to be left to a swipe.”
Ditto Uses AI to Replace Swiping with Curated College Dates
PM – Ditto, an AI-powered dating startup founded by two UC Berkeley dropouts, is expanding across U.S. college campuses with a matchmaking model that replaces swiping with AI-curated real-world dates. After users complete detailed questionnaires, the platform creates weekly matches, schedules a mutually convenient meeting, and plans the date itinerary. The company says it has facilitated ~12K dates, with 92% of participants wanting a second date, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional dating apps by using AI to handle the matching process rather than the conversation.
LinkedIn Has Quietly Become Everyone’s Backup Dating App
GADGET REVIEW – A Zety survey of 1,023 U.S. workers found that 22% have used LinkedIn to pursue romantic connections, while 48% trust LinkedIn profiles more than dating app profiles. The survey also found that 21% have used LinkedIn to verify someone they matched with elsewhere, and 12% have formed a relationship that began on the platform, despite 74% of respondents viewing romantic advances on LinkedIn as unprofessional.
UK Muslim Matchmaking Platform Faces Backlash Over Child Marriage Video
THE SUN – Nikkahgram, a Muslim matchmaking platform operating in the UK, has faced calls to be shut down after posting a video suggesting fathers should marry off their daughters when they reach puberty. The video was removed following criticism, and the company said it does not promote marriage under the age of 18.
SURF Partners With HYROX Australia to Connect Fitness-Focused Singles
AUSTRALIAN LEISURE MANAGEMENT – SURF has partnered with HYROX Australia to help singles meet through the fitness racing community. The dating app now lets users filter for HYROX athletes and people training for upcoming events. The partnership will also introduce “singles” wristbands at races and a Blind First Date Mixed Doubles event in Australia in Autumn 2027. SURF is expanding its focus on community-based, in-person dating through partnerships with HYROX, the World Surf League US Open of Surfing, and Palm Tree Music Festival.
Challenges of a Matchmaker: Arlene Washburn on Coaching, Compliance, and Running a Professional Matchmaking Business
OPW – In the latest episode of Challenges of a Matchmaker, Arlene Washburn argues that matchmaking is far more regulated than many matchmakers realize. The conversation covers the difference between coaching and simply giving feedback, why matchmakers who offer coaching should receive proper training, the importance of structured client follow-up after every introduction, and the need for consistent sales and operational processes. Washburn also discusses data privacy, compliance across jurisdictions, and why many matchmakers are using contracts that may not meet legal requirements. Her overarching message is that successful matchmaking is built on professional standards, ethical practice, and a commitment to continuous learning as laws, technology, and client expectations evolve.
Washburn is the founder of the International Matchmaking Compliance Board, which helps matchmakers understand and comply with legal and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.