Justin McLeod, the founder and former chief executive officer of Hinge, stepped down from the role on December 9, 2025 to focus on a new AI‑driven dating service called Overtone. McLeod will remain an advisor to Hinge through March 2026 while he builds the venture with Match Group’s backing, which includes pre‑seed financing and a commitment to lead the initial funding round in early 2026.
Jackie Jantos, who has served as Hinge’s president and chief marketing officer, was promoted to chief executive officer. Under Jantos, Hinge has achieved a 27% year‑over‑year increase in direct revenue to $184.7 million and a 17% rise in payers to 1.9 million, reflecting strong demand for the app’s intentional‑dating model and successful marketing campaigns such as “Designed to be Deleted.” The growth is driven by a 9% rise in revenue per payer and a 27% increase in revenue from the U.S. market, where the app’s premium subscription mix has expanded.
McLeod’s new venture, Overtone, focuses on AI‑powered matchmaking and voice‑enabled tools. Match Group’s support signals a strategic shift toward high‑intent, premium experiences that complement its core brands. The company’s plan to lead Overtone’s early funding round aligns with its broader “barbell” strategy of scaling established apps while incubating innovative, high‑margin services.
In a statement, McLeod said, “Building Hinge has been the privilege of my life, and I’m proud of what the team has created.” He added that he is grateful for Match Group’s continued support and excited to pursue Overtone. Spencer Rascoff, Match Group’s CEO, praised McLeod’s innovation and noted that Hinge is poised for its next chapter under Jantos, who will focus on “intentional innovation grounded in culture and creativity.” Jantos emphasized that Hinge’s mission to help people find meaningful, in‑person relationships remains central as she leads the brand’s growth.
Market reaction to the announcement was muted. Analysts at Raymond James maintained a “Market Perform” rating, while Evercore ISI lowered its price target to $35.00 from $38.00, citing mixed Q3 2025 earnings and guidance. The slight decline in Match Group’s stock price on the day of the announcement reflected investor caution amid the company’s recent earnings miss and the uncertainty surrounding Overtone’s early-stage development.
The leadership transition and Overtone launch position Match Group to capitalize on AI’s growing role in online dating. Hinge’s strong revenue trajectory and payer growth reinforce its status as the company’s primary growth engine, while the new venture offers a potential high‑margin, high‑intent revenue stream. The move signals Match Group’s intent to diversify its portfolio and invest in next‑generation matchmaking technology, which could reshape the competitive landscape of the dating industry.
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