Hinge’s founder and CEO Justin McLeod has stepped down to launch Overtone, an innovative AI-powered dating app designed to foster more thoughtful and personal connections using advanced voice and AI technology. This strategic move comes as part of a leadership transition supported by Match Group, which will also promote Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s President and Chief Marketing Officer, to CEO to drive the company's next phase of growth.
Leadership Transition at Hinge Marks a New Era
Match Group officially announced that Justin McLeod, who founded Hinge and led it to become a global leader in intentional dating, is departing to focus full-time on Overtone. McLeod will remain an advisor to Hinge through March 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. The company has promoted Jackie Jantos to CEO, recognizing her leadership as President and Chief Marketing Officer, where she significantly shaped Hinge’s app experience, culture, and growth strategies[1][2].
Jackie Jantos emphasized her commitment to advancing Hinge’s mission to support meaningful, in-person connections, building on the app’s reputation as “The Dating App Designed To Be Deleted®.” Under her leadership, Hinge will continue to prioritize empathy, cultural insights, and social impact initiatives like “One More Hour,” which encourages real-world interactions[2].
Overtone: The Future of AI-Driven Dating
Overtone originated within Hinge as a concept developed by Justin McLeod and a dedicated team throughout 2025, with strong backing from Match Group. It is an early-stage dating platform that leverages AI and voice tools to create deeper, more intentional dating experiences. Match Group is leading the funding round for Overtone, signaling confidence in this new venture’s potential to innovate the dating landscape by blending AI with human connection[1].
This spinout highlights Match Group’s strategic focus on responsible AI development and real-world outcomes, aiming to expand the dating category through next-generation technology that moves beyond traditional swiping[1].
Match Group’s Strategic Role and Vision
Match Group remains committed to supporting both Hinge’s ongoing growth and Overtone’s development. By incubating Overtone within Hinge and providing financing and internal expertise, Match Group is fostering innovation while ensuring that Hinge remains a market leader. Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group, praised McLeod as an extraordinary innovator and affirmed the company’s dedication to strengthening the dating category through apps that deepen human connection[1].
This dual approach reflects Match Group’s broader strategy to shape the future of dating by combining technology, culture, and social impact with a focus on meaningful relationships.
Hinge’s Next Chapter Under Jackie Jantos
With a strong leadership team and clear roadmap, Hinge is poised for continued momentum under Jackie’s leadership. Her emphasis on user well-being, cultural relevance, and social responsibility aims to sustain Hinge’s position as a platform that not only connects people but also positively influences dating culture. The company’s innovative initiatives and growth trajectory signal a promising future for users seeking authentic connections[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of Hinge?
Jackie Jantos, formerly Hinge’s President and Chief Marketing Officer, has been promoted to CEO as part of the leadership transition.
Why did Justin McLeod leave Hinge?
Justin McLeod left to focus on launching Overtone, a new AI-powered dating app developed with Match Group’s support.
What is Overtone?
Overtone is an early-stage dating platform that uses AI and voice technology to help people connect in a more personal and thoughtful way.
How is Match Group involved in Overtone?
Match Group is leading the funding round for Overtone and has provided financing and expertise from within Hinge to support its development.
Will Justin McLeod still be involved with Hinge?
Yes, McLeod will remain an advisor to Hinge through March 2026 to assist with the leadership transition.
What is Hinge’s mission going forward?
Hinge aims to create meaningful, in-person connections and support the well-being of daters through culturally grounded, empathetic innovation.
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 12:20:32 AM
Public response to Hinge CEO Justin McLeod’s exit to launch the AI-powered dating app Overtone has been notably curious and anticipatory, with many users expressing excitement about the potential of AI to transform online dating. While concrete user metrics for Overtone are not yet available, Hinge’s ongoing momentum—setting up a date every two seconds—has sparked expectations that McLeod’s new venture could innovate similarly in creating meaningful connections. Some users have voiced optimism on social platforms, highlighting trust in McLeod’s vision given his success with Hinge, though others remain cautiously observant about AI’s role in dating apps.
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 12:30:35 AM
Hinge CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app backed by Match Group that aims to revolutionize global matchmaking with advanced AI and voice tools, reflecting a strategic pivot towards AI-driven connection amid rising international demand for more natural and personalized dating experiences[1]. This move has drawn significant attention worldwide as rival platforms like Bumble and Grindr also escalate AI investments, signaling a sector-wide transformation responding to "swiping fatigue" and slowing growth in online dating markets across Europe, Latin America, and beyond[1]. Match Group plans to lead Overtone’s initial funding in early 2026, underscoring confidence in AI's potential to reshape international dating landscapes and cater especially to younger, Gen Z users
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 12:40:37 AM
There are currently no reported regulatory or government responses specifically related to Hinge CEO Justin McLeod’s exit to start the AI-powered dating app Overtone. Official communications focus primarily on the leadership transition and business strategy, without mention of regulatory scrutiny or governmental reaction concerning the new AI venture[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 12:50:38 AM
So far, there have been no reported regulatory or government responses specifically related to Hinge CEO Justin McLeod’s exit to start the AI-powered dating app Overtone. Match Group, which backs Overtone, and Hinge continue focusing on AI-driven matchmaking innovations amid industry challenges, but no concrete government actions or official regulatory statements have been disclosed in connection with this leadership change or Overtone’s launch[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:00:41 AM
Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app backed by Match Group, marking a strategic bet on AI-driven matchmaking amid industry-wide efforts to overcome "swiping fatigue" and slow user growth. Experts note that Overtone’s focus on AI and voice tools aims to create more natural, chemistry-driven connections, aligning with trends where rivals like Bumble and startups such as Teaser are enhancing personalization and safety with AI features[1]. Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s new CEO, emphasized the company’s mission to foster meaningful, in-person connections, highlighting that Hinge facilitates a date every two seconds, underscoring the market's scale and demand for deeper relationship tools
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:10:40 AM
Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod is exiting to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app incubated within Hinge that will operate independently with backing from Match Group, which plans to lead its funding round in early 2026 and hold a significant stake[1]. This move signals a strategic shift in the competitive dating landscape where major players like Match Group, Bumble, and Grindr are intensifying investments in AI technologies to enhance personalization and address "swiping fatigue," amid slowing user growth and rising competition[1]. Overtone’s focus on AI and voice tools directly targets evolving user demands, particularly among younger demographics, positioning it to compete with both established giants and emerging AI-first platforms like Teaser and Blush[
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:20:44 AM
Following the announcement that Hinge CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down to launch the AI-powered dating startup Overtone, backed by Match Group, the market reacted positively to this strategic pivot toward AI innovation in online dating. Match Group’s stock (NASDAQ: MTCH) rose modestly by around 1.5% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, reflecting investor confidence in McLeod’s new venture and the broader AI focus in dating apps[1]. The move also underscores Match Group's commitment to expanding AI-driven features amid rising competition, with McLeod remaining as an adviser to Hinge through March to ensure a smooth leadership transition[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:30:41 AM
Consumer and public reaction to Hinge CEO Justin McLeod’s exit to launch the AI-powered dating app Overtone has been notably positive, reflecting excitement about AI innovation in dating. Hinge users and industry observers highlight growing interest in AI-driven matchmaking, as Hinge itself sets up a date every two seconds, signaling strong engagement with evolving app features focused on meaningful connections[2]. Public enthusiasm is buoyed by Match Group’s backing of Overtone and the trend among dating platforms to integrate AI tools for more personalized, natural introductions, addressing user fatigue and increasing competition in the sector[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:40:44 AM
Consumer and public reaction to Hinge CEO Justin McLeod's exit to start the AI-powered dating app Overtone has been cautiously optimistic. Many users expressed curiosity about how AI might enhance dating experiences, while others voiced hope that Hinge will maintain its focus on meaningful connections under new CEO Jackie Jantos. Industry observers noted that Hinge currently facilitates a date every two seconds, highlighting the challenge Jantos faces in sustaining that momentum as McLeod pursues innovation with Overtone[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 1:50:42 AM
Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod has exited to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app focused on voice and thoughtful connections, backed by Match Group with pre-seed funding and global support[1]. The transition signals a strategic global push to innovate dating technology, with Hinge under new CEO Jackie Jantos continuing to grow internationally, supporting millions worldwide and setting up a date every two seconds[1][2]. Match Group aims to shape the future of dating globally through responsible AI applications and deepened human connection[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 2:00:42 AM
Hinge’s founder and CEO Justin McLeod has officially stepped down to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app focused on using voice tools to foster more thoughtful connections, with backing and pre-seed funding from Match Group[1][2]. Jackie Jantos, formerly Hinge’s President and Chief Marketing Officer, is promoted to CEO to lead Hinge’s continued growth, which currently facilitates a date every two seconds[1][2]. Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group, praised McLeod as a "world-class founder" and confirmed Match Group’s commitment to both Overtone and Hinge’s future innovation[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 2:10:40 AM
Hinge’s CEO Justin McLeod has exited to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating app focused on using voice technology to foster more personal connections, backed by Match Group’s lead funding round[1]. The move has drawn international attention as Overtone aims to innovate global dating norms by leveraging AI for thoughtful matchmaking, while Hinge continues its strong growth under new CEO Jackie Jantos, supporting millions worldwide with a date set every two seconds[1][2]. Match Group emphasizes this transition as a strategic step to expand AI-driven dating solutions with real-world impact across diverse markets[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/10/2025, 2:20:40 AM
**Hinge Founder Justin McLeod Steps Down to Launch AI-Driven Dating Startup Overtone**
Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge, is departing the dating app to launch Overtone, a new AI-powered venture that Match Group will back with funding and has incubated within Hinge throughout 2025.[1] Jackie Jantos, who previously served as President and Chief Marketing Officer, has been immediately promoted to CEO and will lead Hinge's next growth phase, with McLeod remaining as an advisor through March to support the transition.[1][2] Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff praised McLeod as "an extraordinary innovator an