Grindr is a popular dating app designed for the LGBT community. It is a location-based app that helps users find gay, bisexual, and queer people nearby. With over 27 million registered users worldwide, Grindr is one of the most popular dating apps for the LGBT community. However, many people are unaware of who owns Grindr and the controversies surrounding the company. This article will explore the ownership of Grindr and the reasons why readers should keep reading to learn more about the app’s history and current state.
Who Owns Grindr?
Grindr is a popular dating app that caters to the LGBTQ+ community. It was launched in 2009 and has since become one of the most widely used dating apps in the world. The app is available in over 190 countries and has over 27 million users. But who owns Grindr? In this article, we will take a closer look at the ownership of Grindr and the controversies surrounding it.
The Early Days of Grindr
Grindr was founded by Joel Simkhai in 2009. Simkhai was living in Los Angeles at the time and developed the app as a way to help gay men connect with each other. The app quickly gained popularity and was soon being used around the world. In 2013, Grindr launched a version for straight people called Blendr, but it failed to gain traction and was eventually shut down.
Acquisition by Chinese Company
In 2016, Grindr was acquired by a Chinese gaming company called Kunlun. Kunlun paid $93 million for a 60% stake in the company, with the option to purchase the remaining 40% over the next few years. The acquisition made headlines at the time, as many people were concerned about the Chinese government’s strict laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
Controversies Surrounding Grindr’s Ownership
The acquisition of Grindr by a Chinese company has sparked controversy and concern among users and LGBTQ+ advocates. China has a track record of censoring and suppressing LGBTQ+ content, and many worry that the government could use Grindr’s data to target and persecute LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, there have been concerns about data privacy and security, as Grindr collects sensitive information about its users.
In 2019, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) launched an investigation into the acquisition of Grindr by Kunlun. CFIUS is a government agency that reviews foreign investments in the US to ensure they do not pose a threat to national security. The investigation ultimately led to Kunlun agreeing to sell Grindr by 2020.
New Ownership
In March 2020, it was announced that San Vicente Acquisition LLC, a group of LGBTQ+ investors, had acquired Grindr. The deal was worth $608.5 million and gave San Vicente Acquisition LLC full ownership of the app. The new owners have promised to prioritize user privacy and security and to work with LGBTQ+ organizations to promote equality and inclusivity.
Conclusion
Who owns Grindr has been a topic of controversy and concern in recent years. The app’s acquisition by a Chinese company raised questions about data privacy and security, as well as the potential for government censorship and persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. The recent acquisition by a group of LGBTQ+ investors has brought hope for a more inclusive and safe future for the app’s users. As Grindr continues to evolve and grow, it will be important for its owners to prioritize user privacy, security, and inclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Who owns Grindr?
Grindr is currently owned by San Vicente Acquisition LLC, a company that specializes in acquiring and managing mobile applications.
### Has Grindr ever been involved in a data breach?
Yes, Grindr has been involved in several data breaches in the past. In April 2018, it was reported that a security flaw in Grindr’s system had exposed the location data of millions of users. In addition, in January 2020, it was reported that Grindr had shared users’ personal information, including their HIV status, with third-party companies without their consent. Grindr has since made efforts to improve its security measures and data privacy policies.