Grindr, the popular gay dating app, has undergone several ownership changes in recent years. The app, known for its unique interface and features, has become a staple in the LGBTQ+ community. As a reader, you might be wondering who currently owns Grindr and how it has impacted the app’s operations. In this article, we will explore the ownership history of Grindr and how it has affected the app’s user experience. So, if you’re interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes of Grindr, keep reading.
Who Owns Grindr Now: A Detailed Look
Grindr is a popular dating app that caters to the LGBTQ+ community, and it has been around since 2009. It is available in over 190 countries and has over 27 million users. The app has undergone several ownership changes over the years, and in this article, we will take a detailed look at who owns Grindr now.
Grindr’s Early Days
Grindr was founded by Joel Simkhai in 2009. At the time, Simkhai was working as a freelance web designer and noticed that there was no dating app specifically designed for gay men. He decided to create Grindr, which quickly gained popularity.
In 2011, Grindr received its first major investment from a venture capital firm, when it raised $5 million from the firm Accel Partners. This investment helped Grindr expand its operations and user base.
Grindr’s Acquisition by Kunlun Group
In January 2016, Grindr was acquired by Kunlun Group, a Chinese gaming company, for $93 million. At the time of the acquisition, Grindr had over 2 million daily active users and was valued at $155 million.
The acquisition of Grindr by Kunlun Group raised some concerns, particularly from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. China has a poor record when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and there were fears that Grindr’s user data could be compromised. However, Kunlun Group assured users that their data would remain secure and that the app would continue to operate independently.
Grindr’s Sale to San Vicente Acquisition
In March 2019, it was announced that Kunlun Group was looking to sell Grindr. This decision was prompted by pressure from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which had concerns about the safety of user data.
In June 2020, it was announced that Grindr had been sold to San Vicente Acquisition, a company owned by businessman and investor, San Vicente. The sale price was not disclosed, but it was rumored to be around $608.5 million.
Who is San Vicente?
San Vicente is a New York-based businessman and investor. He is the founder and CEO of San Vicente Capital Partners, a private equity firm that focuses on investments in technology, media, and telecommunications.
San Vicente has a background in finance, having worked for several banks and financial institutions before starting his own private equity firm. He has a reputation for being a shrewd investor and has made several successful investments over the years.
What Does the Future Hold for Grindr?
Under San Vicente’s ownership, Grindr is likely to continue operating independently. San Vicente has stated that he believes in the app’s mission and wants to continue to support the LGBTQ+ community.
There are also rumors that San Vicente may be looking to take Grindr public in the near future. This would allow the app to raise capital and potentially expand its operations even further.
Conclusion
Grindr has had a tumultuous ownership history, but it appears to have found a stable home with San Vicente Acquisition. The app has been a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ dating space and has helped millions of people find love and companionship. With San Vicente’s backing, Grindr is likely to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Who currently owns Grindr?
Grindr is currently owned by San Vicente Acquisition LLC, a company formed by Chinese gaming company Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd.
### Has Grindr always been owned by the same company?
No, Grindr has had multiple owners over the years. It was originally founded in 2009 by Joel Simkhai, who sold the company to Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd in 2016. In 2020, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) ordered Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd to sell Grindr due to national security concerns. San Vicente Acquisition LLC acquired Grindr from Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd in 2020, and currently owns the company.