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Grindr Beats Revenue Estimates, Bets on AI to Drive Growth

Posted on February 27, 2026
A smartphone displaying the Grindr logo

REUTERS – Grindr reported Q4 revenue of $126M, beating estimates, and expanded its share buyback program by $400M, sending shares up about 4% after hours. The company said it will remain publicly listed after reaching an 18-month standstill agreement with its largest shareholder, Ray Zage, following failed take-private talks last year. Grindr is doubling down on AI-driven growth through its proprietary “gAI” system and a new premium subscription tier called “Edge,” while maintaining a strong free product to attract younger users. For 2026, it plans heavier investment in technology upgrades and expansion into health and wellness services, projecting full-year revenue above $528M, roughly in line with expectations.

See full article at Reuters

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Steven Bartlett Backs Hati, a Dating App With £48 Revenue

Posted on February 27, 2026
hati dating app

BUSINESS CLOUD – Dating app hati, founded in 2025 by Zaahirah Adam, secured a £150K investment from Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den despite generating just £48 in revenue at the time of filming. The app replaces text messaging with five-minute phone calls, uses voice and video profiles instead of static photos, and requires friend verification to reduce catfishing. Adam initially sought £150K for 5% (a £3M valuation), but after other Dragons declined over low traction and easy replicability, she agreed to give Bartlett 30% for the same investment.

See full article at Business Cloud

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Three Day Rule Is Using AI for Matchmaking to Help Users Find Love

Posted on February 27, 2026

NBC NEWS – Three Day Rule, a new matchmaking app, uses an AI-generated algorithm to pair clients. Wired reporter Molly Higgins shares her experience with NBC News’ Ellison Barber, outlining the service’s strengths, drawbacks, and what it could mean for the future of dating apps.

See full article at NBC

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Bumble Adds AI-powered Photo Feedback and Profile Guidance Tools

Posted on February 27, 2026
Bumble logo

TECH CRUNCH – Bumble is rolling out new AI-powered features designed to improve user profiles and increase real-world meetups, including tools that give personalized feedback on bios, prompts, and photos, with U.S. users also getting AI photo analysis to suggest stronger image choices. In Canada, Bumble is testing a non-AI feature called “Suggest a Date,” which lets users signal they’re ready to meet offline if a chat stalls.

See full article at Tech Crunch

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Malaysia Blocks Grindr and Blued and May Limit More LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

Posted on February 27, 2026
Grindr and Blued blocked in Malaysia

THE PINK NEWS –  Malaysia has blocked access to Grindr and Blued and is considering further action against other LGBTQ+ dating platforms, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on 25 February. He said authorities are reviewing legal measures to restrict apps deemed to violate local laws, including those involving immoral or unlawful content. Same-sex activity remains illegal in Malaysia and carries severe criminal penalties under federal and state laws.

See full article at The Pink News

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Romance Scams Cost Victims $1.16 Billion in 2025

Posted on February 25, 2026
romance scams

USA TODAY – Organized online romance scams now extract massive sums: ~11,200 victims lost ~$398M in Q3 2025 alone (median loss ~$2,218), and total reported losses reached ~$1.16B in the first nine months of 2025, with some individuals losing six-figure savings. Criminal groups cultivate relationships for months via social media and messaging apps, then request money through gift cards, wires, or crypto, increasingly reinforced by AI-generated photos, voices, and video; once funds are sent, recovery is rare, so the only reliable safeguard is to cut off contact the moment a new online partner asks for money or financial information.

See full article at USA Today

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Mark Brooks Has Joined the HubPeople Board of Directors

Posted on February 25, 2026
Logo of HubPeople

OPW – Mark Brooks has joined the HubPeople Board of Directors, bringing more than two decades of experience across the online dating and social discovery sector. He has advised executives at some of the world’s most successful dating companies, including the CEO of PlentyofFish during its growth phase. As a board member, Mark will provide strategic guidance on market trends, competitive positioning, and long-term growth as HubPeople continues to expand its global footprint.

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Online Dating Jobs Listing Update – February 2026

Posted on February 25, 2026
job offers

OPW – An update to the online dating jobs listing is live here.

Below, see a couple of this month’s most interesting offers:
HubPeople – CRM Manager
Bumble – Associate Director of Lifecycle Marketing
Ditto AI – Head of Community
Grindr – Director of Government Affairs
Match Group – Sr. People Director
Muzz – Country Marketing Lead
ParshipMeet Group – Vice President Data & AI
Social Discovery Ventures – Chief Legal Officer
Tinder – Sr. Director, Communications (Americas)
Together Light – Director of Marketing

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.

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The Matchmaking Services That Bring the High Earners of the World Together

Posted on February 24, 2026
A smiling couple dressed in formal attire share a moment together on a city street at night, illuminated by soft lights.

THE TIMES –

Drawing Down the Moon – 40 years in the business. Clients are mostly based in London. “Men tend to be far more open to the type of women they would like to meet,” the owner, Gillian McCallum, says, “while women are more prescriptive”). Finding a match is a team effort that includes daily “matching meetings” to discuss suitors. “The hardest part is encouraging clients to branch out from their checklist.”

Ivy Relations – Inga Verbeeck, the CEO of the Belgium-based Ivy Relations, which has mainly male clients. A team of six headhunters cast their nets wide.
Rates start at £13k and can reach six digits. Standard membership is 5 introductions.

Berkeley – Nine offices globally, from the UK and France to Kenya. Berkeley has an international team of researchers, client managers, psychologists and matchmaking specialists. Prices start at £15k for UK and £35k for international membership. 

Bond – Launched 3 years ago, is based in London, with international clients and plans to expand to Dubai. Standard membership starts at £10k. The service can involve stylists, date coaching, finding personal trainers.

See full article at The Times

Mark Brooks: The matchmaking industry seems to be growing. Matchmaker.com will be launching in March, next month, to help people connect with the right matchmakers for them.

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Match Group Adds Bronstein and Moskowitz to Board Amid Ongoing Leadership Refresh

Posted on February 24, 2026
Logo of Match Group

PRESS RELEASE – Match Group plans to add tech executives Manuel Bronstein and Raina Moskowitz to its board at the 2026 shareholder meeting. Bronstein previously led product at Roblox and worked on Google Assistant and YouTube; Moskowitz is CEO of The Knot Worldwide and former COO/CMO at Etsy. Two current directors, Sharmistha Dubey and Pamela Seymon, will step down. The company says the additions are part of an ongoing board refresh and focus on product growth, engagement, and user trust.

See full article at Match Group website

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