Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in the world, with millions of users swiping left and right every day. But have you ever wondered who owns this app? In this article, we will explore the ownership of Tinder and the journey of how it became the behemoth it is today. Whether you are a frequent user of Tinder or just curious about the business behind dating apps, keep reading to find out more.
Introduction
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in the world. The app was launched in 2012 and has since then revolutionized the dating scene. However, there has been a lot of confusion about who owns Tinder. In this article, we will discuss the ownership of Tinder and the journey of the dating app.
Who Founded Tinder?
Tinder was founded in 2012 by Sean Rad, Justin Mateen, Jonathan Badeen, Joe Munoz, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Chris Gylczynski. The idea for Tinder came about when Sean Rad and Justin Mateen were brainstorming ideas for a startup. They wanted to create a dating platform that was simple and fun to use.
The Founders of Tinder
– Sean Rad: Sean Rad is the co-founder of Tinder. He was the CEO of Tinder from 2012 to 2016. Before Tinder, he co-founded Adly, a celebrity endorsement platform.
– Justin Mateen: Justin Mateen is also a co-founder of Tinder. He was the Chief Marketing Officer of Tinder from 2012 to 2014.
– Jonathan Badeen: Jonathan Badeen is a co-founder of Tinder. He is the Chief Strategy Officer of Tinder and responsible for the app’s design and user experience.
– Joe Munoz: Joe Munoz is a co-founder of Tinder. He was responsible for creating the app’s initial prototype.
– Whitney Wolfe Herd: Whitney Wolfe Herd is a co-founder of Tinder. She was the Vice President of Marketing at Tinder from 2012 to 2014. She later went on to co-found Bumble, a dating app that competes with Tinder.
– Chris Gylczynski: Chris Gylczynski is a co-founder of Tinder. He left the company in 2013.
Who Owns Tinder?
Tinder is currently owned by Match Group, a subsidiary of IAC/InterActiveCorp. Match Group also owns other dating apps such as OkCupid, Hinge, and Match.com.
In 2017, Match Group acquired a 51% stake in Tinder’s parent company, Match.com. This gave Match Group control over Tinder. Sean Rad, the co-founder of Tinder, sued Match Group in 2018 for allegedly undervaluing Tinder’s worth. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Match Group agreed to pay Tinder’s founders $9.4 million.
How Has Tinder Evolved?
Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has evolved significantly. The app started as a simple dating platform that allowed users to swipe left or right on potential matches. However, the app has since then added several features such as Super Like, Boost, and Passport.
Super Like
Super Like is a feature that allows users to express their interest in a potential match. When a user Super Likes someone, the other person is notified that they have been Super Liked. This feature helps users stand out from the crowd and increases their chances of getting a match.
Boost
Boost is a feature that allows users to increase their visibility on the app. When a user activates Boost, their profile is shown to more potential matches. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to get more matches quickly.
Passport
Passport is a feature that allows users to change their location and swipe on potential matches from anywhere in the world. This feature is particularly useful for users who travel frequently or want to connect with people from different parts of the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tinder was founded by Sean Rad, Justin Mateen, Jonathan Badeen, Joe Munoz, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Chris Gylczynski. However, Tinder is currently owned by Match Group, a subsidiary of IAC/InterActiveCorp. Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has evolved significantly and added several features such as Super Like, Boost, and Passport. Despite the confusion about Tinder’s ownership, the app continues to be one of the most popular dating apps in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Who owns Tinder?
Tinder is owned by Match Group, which is a subsidiary of IAC (InterActiveCorp), an American internet and media conglomerate. Match Group also owns other popular dating apps such as OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, and Hinge.
### How does Tinder make money?
Tinder makes money primarily through its subscription services, Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold, which offer premium features such as unlimited swipes, the ability to see who likes you before you swipe, and the ability to change your location to match with people in other cities. Additionally, Tinder also earns revenue through advertising and partnerships with other brands.