Hinge Founder Raises $18M for New AI Dating Service, Overtone

Justin McLeod, the founder of dating app Hinge, has announced an $18 million fundraise for his new company, Overtone. Describing itself as a "voice- and audio-forward service, enabled by AI, that provides highly curated introductions," Overtone aims to differentiate itself in the competitive online dating market.

McLeod stepped down as CEO of Hinge last year. The company's parent, Match Group, which also owns Tinder and OkCupid, is among the investors in Overtone. Other notable backers include FirstMark Capital and Pace Capital, indicating significant industry confidence in McLeod's new direction.

While specific details about Overtone's functionality remain limited, McLeod has emphasized that it is not a typical dating app. In a blog post, he stated that Overtone is "not a social platform with profiles that reduce people to stats, quotes and photos." He also mentioned the absence of opaque, algorithm-driven feeds that rely on split-second impulses, and users will not be juggling multiple matches and conversations simultaneously.

This shift in approach by the creator of Hinge, an app known for its focus on relationship potential over casual encounters, suggests a potential evolution in how dating services leverage technology. The dating industry is characterized by continuous innovation, and Overtone's unique proposition could mark a new phase in online matchmaking.