Hinge

Hinge is the dating app designed to be deleted. Founded in 2011 by Justin McLeod, Hinge prioritizes meaningful relationships over casual encounters, using intentional prompts and a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm to help singles find genuine connections.

1 Episode

The Story

Hinge is the dating app designed to be deleted. Founded in 2011 by Justin McLeod, Hinge set out to create a platform that prioritizes meaningful relationships over casual encounters. Using a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm and profile-driven prompts, Hinge encourages users to engage with substance rather than swipe on appearance alone. Acquired by Match Group in 2018, Hinge has grown into one of the world's most popular dating apps, known for its 'designed to be deleted' philosophy and high-quality user experience. In 2025, co-founder Justin McLeod stepped down as CEO to launch AI dating startup Overtone, while Jackie Jantos took the helm to lead Hinge into its next chapter.

Platform

Hinge Dating App

The dating app designed to be deleted. Hinge focuses on meaningful relationships rather than casual encounters, using a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm to help singles find genuine connections.

Designed to be deleted — built for meaningful relationships

Nobel-Prize-winning matching algorithm

Profile prompts that spark real conversations

Video dates and Roses for standout connections

Free to download with optional Hinge+ subscription

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Company Timeline

2011 — Hinge Founded
Justin McLeod founded Hinge in February 2011 in New York with the mission of helping people find meaningful relationships.
2018 — Acquired by Match Group
Match Group acquired Hinge, integrating it into its portfolio while allowing the brand to operate independently.
2025 — Leadership Transition & AI Expansion
McLeod stepped down as CEO to launch Overtone, an AI dating startup. Jackie Jantos became the new CEO, signaling a new era for Hinge.

Episodes Featuring Hinge

EP 748

Advice Line with Justin McLeod of Hinge

Justin McLeod

Hinge

In this episode, Justin McLeod shares the personal and professional journey behind building Hinge - the dating app designed to be deleted. From a breakup in college to a Harvard Business School class project, McLeod reveals how his own frustrating experience with online dating inspired him to create a platform built for meaningful connections. He opens up about the challenges of building a dating app in a crowded market, the philosophy behind Hinge's 'designed to be deleted' mantra, and the pivotal moments that turned a small startup into a global phenomenon generating over $400 million in annual revenue. McLeod also discusses the surprising decision to step down as CEO in December 2025 to launch Overtone, an AI-powered dating startup backed by Match Group, and what he believes the future of dating technology holds.

Jul 17, 202539 min

Founders Featured

Justin McLeod

Founder and former CEO of Hinge (founded 2011). Harvard Business School graduate (2009). Led Hinge to become a top global dating app before stepping down in Dec 2025 to launch AI dating startup Overtone with Match Group support.

1 episode