Hinge founder raises $18 million for AI-powered matchmaking service

Justin McLeod, the founder of the dating app Hinge, has secured $18 million in funding for his new startup, Overtone. The company is developing an AI-driven matchmaking service, slated for launch later in 2026.

McLeod departed Hinge last December to establish Overtone, aiming to reshape the dating app industry. Unlike current platforms that rely on user profiles and swiping, Overtone intends to use AI to understand users' stories through voice input, then make curated introductions to compatible matches.

"The opportunities and perils of AI are staggering," McLeod stated in a blog post accompanying the funding announcement. "I worry deeply about its misuse, especially around something as intimate and sacred as love. At the same time, if approached thoughtfully and ethically, I believe we now have the chance to create an entirely new and better paradigm in dating."

The funding round saw participation from investors including FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital, and Match Group, which owns other major dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. A waitlist has already been established for the service, which will roll out in select locations.

The move comes as many users report burnout and dissatisfaction with existing dating app models. Overtone is not the only company exploring AI in this space; Bumble has also announced plans to incorporate AI for matchmaking, and Grindr has stated intentions to become AI-native.