Match.com is one of the most popular online dating platforms in the world, connecting millions of people with potential partners. However, not many people know who owns this successful dating website. In this article, we will uncover who the owner of Match.com is and explore the company’s history and growth. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the inner workings of Match.com and how it became one of the leaders in the online dating industry.
Who Owns Match.com?
In the world of online dating, Match.com is a household name. It is one of the oldest and most successful dating websites, having been launched in 1995. The website has helped millions of people find love and companionship, but do you know who owns Match.com? In this article, we will explore the history of Match.com and the company that currently owns it.
The Early Days of Match.com
Match.com was founded in 1993 by Gary Kremen, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Kremen was one of the pioneers of online dating, and he saw an opportunity to create a website that would help people find love online. The website was initially launched as a proof-of-concept, but it quickly gained popularity, and Kremen decided to turn it into a full-fledged business.
The early days of Match.com were challenging. The website was slow and buggy, and there were not many people using it. However, Kremen persevered, and he eventually managed to attract a loyal user base. In 1995, Match.com was acquired by Cendant Corporation, a travel and real estate company, for $7 million.
The IAC Years
In 1999, Match.com was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet conglomerate. IAC was founded by Barry Diller, a media mogul who had previously worked at Paramount Pictures and Fox Broadcasting. Diller saw the potential of online dating, and he believed that Match.com could become a dominant player in the industry.
Under IAC’s ownership, Match.com continued to grow and expand. The website launched in several new countries, and it added new features, such as the ability to send virtual gifts and the “Daily 5” matching algorithm. In 2009, Match.com launched a mobile app, which made it even easier for people to find love on the go.
The Match Group
In 2015, IAC spun off its dating businesses, including Match.com, into a new company called The Match Group. The Match Group is now a publicly-traded company, with its stock listed on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol MTCH.
Today, The Match Group is the world’s leading provider of dating products, with a portfolio that includes Match.com, Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, and several other dating apps. The company has a market capitalization of over $20 billion, and it generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.
The Future of Match.com
So, who owns Match.com today? The answer is that it is owned by The Match Group, which is in turn owned by its shareholders. The company is led by CEO Shar Dubey, who took over from Mandy Ginsberg in 2020. Dubey has big plans for the company, including expanding its presence in international markets and investing in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
Match.com has come a long way since its early days, and it has helped millions of people find love and happiness. As the online dating industry continues to evolve, Match.com and The Match Group are well-positioned to remain at the forefront of innovation and growth. Whether you are a longtime user or a newcomer to the world of online dating, you can be sure that Match.com will continue to be a leading destination for finding love online.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Who owns Match.com?
Match.com is owned by Match Group, which is a subsidiary of the media conglomerate IAC/InterActiveCorp.
### What other dating sites does Match Group own?
Match Group owns several other dating sites, including Tinder, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Hinge, and OurTime.