Key facts
- Hinge founder Justin McLeod has raised $18 million for his new AI dating service, Overtone.
- Match Group, FirstMark Capital, and Pace Capital are investors in Overtone.
- Overtone will focus on voice and audio-based introductions, leveraging AI.
- The service aims to provide curated matches rather than algorithmic feeds.
- Esther Perel has joined Overtone's board of directors.
Justin McLeod, the founder of the dating app Hinge, has announced an $18 million fundraise for his new venture, Overtone. The company aims to create a voice- and audio-forward dating service powered by artificial intelligence, differentiating itself from the prevalent swipe-based, algorithmically driven platforms.
Match Group, the parent company of Hinge, Tinder, and OkCupid, is among the investors, alongside FirstMark Capital and Pace Capital. McLeod stated that Overtone is not a typical dating app, emphasizing its focus on deeply understanding individuals through their own voices and stories, and making only thoughtfully considered introductions.
This approach comes as user dissatisfaction with existing dating apps grows, with a 2024 Forbes Health survey indicating that 78% of users feel burnt out and spend an average of 51 minutes daily on these platforms without achieving fulfilling connections. While many apps are incorporating AI for profile assistance or conversation starters, Overtone intends to use AI for matchmaking rather than outsourcing the actual interaction.
Overtone plans to launch later this year in select locations. The company also announced that relationship expert Esther Perel has joined its board, alongside Match CEO Spencer Rascoff and leadership advisor Diana Chapman.