The newsroom for the people building the dating industry.
This Week in Dating Business
The DataThe Week in Dating Business: October 8 to October 14, 2026Bumble agrees to a $1.3 billion take-private by Ithaca Holdings, Norway fines Xandr NOK 92 million over Grindr data, and Info Edge's matchmaking billings rise 23%.
M&ABumble Agrees to Go Private at $6.05 a Share, More Than Double Its Pre-Deal PriceBumble agreed to be taken private by Ithaca Holdings for $6.05 a share in cash, valuing the company at $1.3 billion, about 138% above its unaffected price.
M&ABumble's Public Shareholders Will Not Vote on the Sale. Two Holders Already Did.Blackstone and Whitney Wolfe Herd approved Bumble's sale by written consent, Wolfe Herd is rolling her stake into the buyer, and Blackstone sold shares at about $2.94 two weeks before the $6.05 deal.
PolicyNorway Fines Microsoft's Xandr NOK 92 Million Over Grindr User DataNorway's Datatilsynet fined Xandr, now part of Microsoft, NOK 92 million for unlawfully processing Grindr users' personal data in its advertising business.
The DataInfo Edge's Matchmaking Billings Rise 23%, Led by AisleInfo Edge said matchmaking billings rose 23.1% in the September quarter, with Jeevansathi up 18.4% and Aisle up 40%.
SafetyDating Trade Body ODDA Sets Up a Consumer Safety PanelThe Online Dating and Discovery Association launched a 12-to-16-member Consumer Safety Panel that member companies can consult on new safety features and policies.
The DataThe Week in Dating Business: September 30 to October 7, 2026Grindr agrees to buy Freddie for $250 million, eHarmony's Australian ruling is formalized, Feeld's revenue jumps 32%, and Google's Play Store fees go on trial.
M&AGrindr Pays $250 Million to Become a Healthcare CompanyGrindr agreed to buy Freddie parent PurposeMed for $250 million in cash and stock, plus up to $70 million in earn-outs, to sell HIV prevention care inside the app.
PolicyeHarmony's Australian Loss Is a Subscription Design Warning for Every Dating AppAn Australian court formally declared eHarmony's free-dating, auto-renewal and pricing practices unlawful. Penalties and redress are next.
The DataFeeld Grew 32% Last Year While the Big Apps ShrankFeeld's 2025 revenue rose 32% to £64 million and pre-tax profit reached £11.4 million, according to its UK accounts.
ProductTinder Launches Group Hangouts, Matching Friend Groups With Each OtherTinder's new Group Hangouts lets friend groups match with other groups around a shared activity, starting in the U.S.
PlatformsGoogle Goes on Trial in London Over Play Store CommissionsA £1 billion UK class action over Google's Play Store commissions is now at trial. App store fees are one of a dating app's biggest costs.
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