Match.com is one of the most popular and successful online dating platforms, connecting millions of people around the world. But have you ever wondered who owns this dating giant? In this article, we will delve into the history of Match.com and its ownership, providing you with a detailed insight into the company’s ownership structure, its key players, and what this means for the future of the platform. Whether you’re a current user of Match.com or simply interested in the online dating industry, we invite you to keep reading to learn more about the people behind the world’s largest dating site.
Who Owns Match.com
Match.com is one of the most popular online dating websites that has been helping people find love and companionship for more than two decades. The website was launched in 1995, and since then, it has become a trusted platform where millions of people have found their life partners. But have you ever wondered who owns Match.com? In this article, we will dive deep into the history of Match.com and explore the company’s ownership structure.
The Early Days of Match.com
Match.com was founded in 1995 by Gary Kremen, a software engineer and entrepreneur who also co-founded other successful companies like Clean Power Finance and Sociogramics. Kremen launched Match.com as a side project while he was working on his other ventures. The website was initially called Electric Classifieds and was part of Kremen’s startup called Kremen Communications.
Electric Classifieds was one of the first online dating websites that allowed users to create profiles, upload photos, and search for potential matches. The website quickly gained popularity, and within a year, it had more than 100,000 registered users.
Match.com’s Acquisition by IAC
In 1999, Match.com was acquired by IAC (InterActiveCorp), a media and internet company founded by Barry Diller. IAC also owns other popular websites like Vimeo, Ask.com, and Angie’s List. The acquisition of Match.com was a strategic move for IAC, as it allowed the company to expand its online dating portfolio.
The acquisition of Match.com by IAC was a complex transaction that involved a lawsuit between Kremen and IAC. Kremen claimed that he had been unfairly pushed out of the company and was entitled to a share of the sale proceeds. The lawsuit was settled in 2004, with Kremen receiving a settlement of $50 million.
The Current Ownership Structure of Match.com
Match Group is the current owner of Match.com, and it is a subsidiary of IAC. Match Group was spun off from IAC in 2015 and became an independent publicly traded company. Match Group owns several online dating websites, including Tinder, OkCupid, and PlentyOfFish.
Match Group’s current CEO is Shar Dubey, who has been with the company since 2006. Under Dubey’s leadership, Match Group has continued to grow and expand its portfolio of dating websites through acquisitions and partnerships.
The Future of Match.com
Match.com has come a long way since its early days as Electric Classifieds. Today, the website has more than 25 million registered users and has helped countless people find love and companionship. The future of Match.com looks bright, as the online dating industry continues to grow and evolve.
Match Group has been investing heavily in new technologies and features to improve the user experience on its websites. For example, the company recently launched a video chat feature on Tinder, which allows users to connect with their matches without leaving the app. Match Group has also been expanding its presence in international markets, which could help drive future growth.
Conclusion
Match.com has a fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a side project to its current status as a leading online dating website. The website’s acquisition by IAC was a turning point in its history, and it has since become part of Match Group, a major player in the online dating industry. As the online dating landscape continues to evolve, Match.com and its parent company are well-positioned to thrive and help people find love and companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Who owns Match.com?
Match.com is owned by Match Group, Inc., which is a subsidiary of IAC/InterActiveCorp.
### Is Match.com a free site?
Match.com offers both free and paid subscription options. While creating a profile and browsing other profiles is free, users must pay for a subscription to communicate with other users on the site.