LINKEDIN - dua.com launched five years ago, built in 100 days during COVID by a newly formed team. It now has ~1.1M Albanian users and is the leading Albanian dating app globally. The app has seen ~5M active conversations in the past two years, with an average of 58 people per day deleting the app after finding a partner. In 2024, it received 18K ratings with a 4.3 average and passed 1B views on social media. Revenue grew from zero in 2020 to $2.37M in 2023 and $3.16M in 2024. Despite major challenges, such as cash shortages, co-founder exits, technical and cultural hurdles, the company remains active and also acquired Spotted, a dating app for missed connections with ~5M registered users.
Albanian Dating App dua.com Turns Five
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Primal Dating: the Evolutionary Psychology Guide to Modern Relationships
OPW - Authors Tim Ash and Dr. Limor Gottlieb (recent interview guests on LTR42) just published their powerful new book Primal Dating: The unflinching evolutionary psychology guide to modern relationships. The book peels back the overlays of culture and looks at the underlying universals behind human mating and dating behavior from an evolutionary perspective. The asymmetries and significant differences between the sexes are explored in a direct and humorous style that makes it very approachable. The book includes practical guides for both women and men to get key insights, implement effective strategies, and fine-tune their tactics to increase the chances of ending up in better relationships. The book is available in paperback and ebook formats. For more information visit PrimalDating.com. I recommend reading this book. - Mark Brooks, Courtland Brooks
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Chapter 2 Dating Seeks £150K to Scale Niche Apps
OPW - Chapter 2 Dating is seeking £150K in investment to scale its three niche dating platforms designed for underserved communities. Chapter 2 Dating supports widows and widowers looking for long-term relationships, WidowsFire offers a space for intimacy within the bereaved community, and SoberLove connects sober and sober-curious individuals seeking relationships outside alcohol-focused environments. Launched in 2022, the company has ~20K users across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, and has previously raised £250K from 14 investors across three rounds. It reported a 27% increase in monthly active users last quarter and a 405% YOY growth in recurring revenue.
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Grindr to Require Biometric Age Checks for Users
THE I PAPER - Starting later this month, Grindr will implement strict biometric age verification to ensure all users are 18+. This change follows pressure from UK media regulator Ofcom, which is cracking down on adult content platforms under the Online Safety Act. Previously, users could join by simply entering a birth date, allowing underage users, including some as young as 12, to access the app. The decision was spurred by an investigation that uncovered over 130 UK police reports of child abuse linked to Grindr since 2019. The new process will require users to submit a video selfie alongside an official ID.
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Muzz Holds First Offline Singles Event in Mumbai
SANGRI TODAY - On July 3, Muslim dating app Muzz hosted its first in-person event in Mumbai. The mixer offered a relaxed alternative to online swiping and traditional matchmaking, with games, one-on-one chats, and a rose exchange. Attendees connected by scanning QR codes, avoiding the pressure of sharing contact details.
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Reminder: LTR Edition 44 – Next Wednesday, July 9th at 1 PM EST
OPW - This is a reminder that LTR Edition 44 will take place next Wednesday, July 9th, at 1:00 PM EST. In this edition, Mark Brooks will be joined by Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute. Since 2010, Dr. Garcia has also served as Scientific Advisor to Match, where he contributes to the company’s long-running Singles in America study, an annual deep dive into the behaviors and attitudes of singles across the U.S. The conversation will explore Dr. Garcia’s research at the Kinsey Institute, key trends uncovered through over a decade of data, and the lessons these insights hold for leaders in the dating industry.
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating company, you are welcome to join IDEA and LTR events for free. To RSVP, please contact [email protected].
This LTR is kindly sponsored by Dating Through Curiosity.
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Bumble CEO Warns of Decline, Criticises Staff Reaction to London Job Cuts
FINANCIAL TIMES - Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd told staff the company is in serious decline and may not survive without drastic cuts, warning that "dating apps are feeling like a thing of the past." Over 160 roles are being eliminated in London as part of a 30% global workforce reduction. Wolfe Herd criticized staff for "freaking out" and said the company's focus would shift to the U.S., citing a better talent pool. Despite the backlash, she insisted the reaction was overblown and offered staff the rest of the week off. Bumble plans to open a Silicon Valley office and launch new safety features amid falling revenues and shrinking user interest.
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Archer Users Prioritise Relationships Over Hookups, Survey Finds
MASHABLE - A new report from dating app Archer shows a shift in gay dating trends, with users nearly six times more likely to seek long-term relationships than hookups. The app, launched in 2023 by Match Group, offers features like "Looking For Modes" and conversation prompts to clarify user intent. With 685,000 downloads as of May 2024, Archer positions itself as an alternative to hookup-focused platforms, as more gay men report valuing emotional connection and communication over casual encounters.
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18% of Single Virginians Report Having AI Romantic Partners
AXIOS - 1 in 5 single Virginians have had a romantic relationship with an AI companion, according to new Match data. The figure is part of a broader trend: AI use in dating has surged 333% since last year. Other cities report even higher numbers, with 28% in D.C. and 26% in Atlanta. Apps like Replika and Blush are driving the rise, especially among women. While some see this as a new form of connection, experts warn it could impact real-life relationships.
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