PRESS RELEASE - Vinylly, a dating app designed for music lovers, has launched in the UK Apple App Store. Originally gaining popularity in the US and Canada, Vinylly connects users based on shared musical tastes. An Android version is set to launch soon in the UK Google Play Store.
Vinylly, a Dating App Connecting Music Lovers, Launches in UK
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Tinder's 2023 Year in Swipe Highlights Key Dating Trends
MASHABLE - Tinder's annual "Year in Swipe" report for 2023 highlighted key dating trends on the app. The most common interest listed globally on Tinder profiles was "horror movies," followed by "hip hop" and "tennis." The report emphasizes the importance of genuine interests in profiles, with Tinder annually analyzing user data to identify popular trends and preferences.
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Bumble Survey: Gen Z in Singapore More Conscious of Gender Inequity Than Millennials
TODAY ONLINE - The survey commissioned by Bumble shows Gen Z in Singapore is more attuned to gender inequity than millennials. About 29% of Gen Zers believe in equal home contribution between genders, compared to 44% of millennials. The findings indicate that gender roles and inequities, particularly in domestic chores and workplace, are still prevalent issues. The survey involved 1K participants and highlights the need for greater gender balance in both personal and professional domains.
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Grindr to Rebuild Team Post-RTO Staff Exodus
CFO DIVE - After a return-to-office mandate led to nearly half of its employees leaving, Grindr is planning to rebuild its team with a focus on hiring more experienced workers. CFO Vanna Krantz, who joined Grindr just before it went public, reported a reduction in headcount from about 200 to 111 employees. This staffing change resulted in $6.7M in severance costs in the Q3, although the company also saw a reduced net loss compared to the previous year. Krantz indicated that Grindr will increase its headcount gradually, expecting to use consultants and service providers in the interim, and is optimistic about hiring due to its public company status.
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Marriage-Centered Dating Apps Rise in Japan
SAVVY TOKYO - In Japan, specific dating apps are tailored for those seeking serious, marriage-centered relationships. Key apps include Zexy Enmusubi, with a user base mainly in their late 20s to early 30s; Tapple, in business for ~8 years; With, known for its psychological tests; Omiai, the second-largest in this niche with 44% of users seeking marriage; and Pairs, the largest with a 20M strong user base, catering to mid-20s to late 30s individuals. Traditional matchmaking services like En-Konkatsu Agent and IBJ also exist. These platforms differ from casual dating apps by emphasizing serious relationships leading to marriage, with strict user screening and compatibility measures. Users need proficiency in Japanese and usually have to meet specific age, residency, and financial requirements.
by Hilary Keyes
See full article at Savvy Tokyo
See the top news on Omiai See the top news on Tapple
See the top news on IBJ See the top news on Pairs
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Hinge Is Spending $1M to Get People Meeting IRL
FAST COMPANY - Hinge is launching a $1M social impact fund to address the loneliness epidemic among its Gen Z users. The fund will provide grants of $10 - $25K to groups in Atlanta, LA and New York City to create in-person connection opportunities for young adults. This initiative, led by Hinge's first social impact director, Josh Penny, aims to encourage users to form platonic relationships and engage in social activities. The grant applications will be open from Jan 8 to 30, with recipients announced in mid-Apr.
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Amanda Bradford's Vision for The League's Future With Match Group
FORTUNE - Amanda Bradford, the founder of the exclusive dating app The League, sold her startup to Match Group for $29.9M. Bradford, who raised $2.2 M in seed funding and was the solo founder, became more risk-averse over time, prompting her decision to sell. She chose Match Group, impressed by their track record with Hinge, to avoid the negative experiences she'd heard about from venture funding or private equity acquisitions. Now within Match's portfolio, The League remains relatively autonomous and aims to innovate as a hybrid online-offline platform. Post-pandemic, with a new marketing budget, Bradford plans to reintroduce the app, particularly to Gen Z users who are currently unfamiliar with The League.
by Emma Hinchliffe & Joseph Abrams
See full article at Fortune
See the top news on Match Group
See the top news on The League
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Gen Z's Shift Away From Dating Apps: a Move Towards In-Person Connections
PUREWOW - Gen Z appears to be moving away from dating apps, as evidenced by a nationwide survey showing 79% of college-age individuals don't regularly use them, preferring in-person meetings. This trend, alongside plummeting share prices for companies like Bumble and Match Group, suggests a decline in app popularity. Alternatives like group meet-ups, singles clubs, and speed dating are emerging, reflecting a shift towards more traditional, in-person methods of connecting.
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Bumble Holdings Repurchases Partnership Interests and Class A Common Stock From Blackstone
BEST STOCKS - On Dec 4, 2023, Bumble Holdings repurchased 3,192,146 limited partnership interests and 4,012,101 shares of Class A common stock from Blackstone for a total of $100M. This transaction, part of a larger agreement, aims to stabilize Bumble's stock prices and is set to close on Dec 7, 2023, under lock-up restrictions until Bumble's Q4 earnings announcement. On the same day, Bumble's stock showed a lackluster performance in the market, despite the company reporting revenue growth and a recovery in net loss for the Q3 2023.
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Introducing Fika 3.0: AI-Powered, User-Focused Dating App
LINKEDIN - Fika, the AI-powered social and dating app, has launched its latest version, Fika 3.0. Initially established in 2021 as a female-focused platform, Fika prioritizes safety and authenticity, allowing only verified profiles. Fika 3.0 harnesses data from its 2M users, including images, personality tests, and user interactions. This data powers AI Find 1.0, a feature allowing users to search for connections based on both looks and personality. Available to all subscribers with a 3-day free trial in Dec, Fika offers a glimpse into AI Find 1.0, with a free-text version slated for release in January. The app is available globally, with a focus on Southeast Asia.
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