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Hinge is a mobile dating application focused on fostering meaningful relationships through detailed profiles and prompts, aiming to move beyond superficial swipe-based matching. The platform, which positions itself as "the relationship app" and is "designed to be deleted" once users find love, has demonstrated substantial financial growth, with revenue surging from $8 million in 2018 to $284 million in 2022, and projections reaching $400 million for 2023, establishing it as the number three dating app worldwide. Operating on a premium subscription model, Hinge is fully owned by Match Group, which acquired the company in 2019, and notable individuals associated with the company include founder Justin McLeod and early team member Frances Haugen. The app is available globally, including in the US, UK, Canada, India, and Australia, and incorporates features like voice messages and compatibility algorithms. Hinge was founded in 2011 by Justin McLeod.
Hinge has raised $24.5M across 4 funding rounds.
Hinge has raised $24.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Hinge is a technology company that builds a dating app designed to foster meaningful, long-term romantic connections rather than casual encounters. It serves singles seeking serious relationships by encouraging users to showcase their personalities through detailed profiles, including photos, videos, voice recordings, and conversation-starting prompts. The app’s algorithm prioritizes compatibility over quantity of matches, aiming to facilitate higher-quality dates and deeper connections. Hinge’s growth momentum is strong, supported by innovative features like "Most Compatible" daily match suggestions, personalized recommendations, and a commitment to user safety and respectful interactions[1][2][3].
Hinge was founded in 2011 by Justin McLeod, who was inspired to create the app after a painful breakup and his desire to use technology to help people find love. Initially, the app added features to keep up with competitors but later refocused on its original mission to create meaningful connections. This led to a complete rebuild of the app, emphasizing quality matches and meaningful conversations over engagement metrics. Early pivotal moments include overcoming near insolvency through strategic fundraising and gaining popularity after public endorsements, such as U.S. presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg revealing he met his husband on Hinge. The company was acquired by Match Group in 2019, which helped scale its reach and resources[2][5].
Hinge rides the trend of shifting online dating from casual, swipe-based apps to platforms that prioritize meaningful, long-term relationships. This timing aligns with growing user fatigue over superficial dating experiences and a societal push toward authentic connections. Market forces such as increased smartphone penetration, social acceptance of online dating, and advances in AI-driven matchmaking algorithms favor Hinge’s approach. By focusing on quality matches and user well-being, Hinge influences the broader dating app ecosystem to prioritize meaningful engagement and safety, setting new standards for relationship-focused technology[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, Hinge is likely to continue refining its matchmaking technology and expanding into new markets, as evidenced by recent launches in Latin America. Trends such as increased demand for authentic social connections and integration of multimedia features (e.g., voice messages) will shape its evolution. Hinge’s influence may grow as it sets benchmarks for relationship-driven dating apps, potentially expanding beyond dating into broader social connection tools. Its mission to create a less lonely world by inspiring intimate, in-person connections remains central, suggesting ongoing innovation focused on deepening human relationships rather than maximizing app engagement[3][4][5].
Hinge has raised $24.5M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series A in December 2014.
Hinge has raised $24.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Hinge's investors include Shasta Ventures, BoxGroup, Brainchild, Climate Capital, Electric Capital, ENIAC Ventures, Gideon Yu, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Greylock, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Hyde Park Venture Partners, LAUNCH.
