In a major development for the online dating industry, Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down from his executive role to launch a new, highly anticipated venture. The new company, called Overtone, will operate as an independent, AI-driven dating service. The move is a significant bet on the future of artificial intelligence in reshaping how people find relationships.
Match Group, the parent company that owns Hinge, is firmly backing McLeod’s new initiative. Overtone was incubated internally within Hinge throughout 2025, demonstrating the dating giant’s strategic interest in the AI space. Match Group has provided pre-seed funding and plans to lead Overtone’s initial funding round in early 2026. This arrangement ensures Match Group will hold a significant ownership position in the new startup, effectively hedging its bets on the next generation of dating technology.
The departure comes at a time of peak success for Hinge, which McLeod founded in 2011. Under his leadership, Hinge successfully rebranded as the app “designed to be deleted,” focusing on intentional dating and moving beyond the superficial “swiping culture” popularized by other platforms. The company is currently on track to hit $1 billion in annual revenue by 2027. This strong momentum gives McLeod confidence in the company’s trajectory as he shifts his focus.
McLeod’s new project, Overtone, aims to revolutionize the connection process by utilizing advanced AI and voice tools. He believes current dating apps still feel too transactional. Overtone is designed to foster deeper compatibility and conversational chemistry. The platform will reportedly use AI-powered personalization to help users craft more authentic profiles. It will also generate meaningful introductions based on subtle, context-aware interactions.
The transition at Hinge is immediate. Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s current President and Chief Marketing Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Jantos has been with Hinge for four years. She is credited with overseeing the app’s successful expansion into international markets, including Europe and Latin America. Her work also helped strengthen Hinge’s appeal among Gen Z users, which is now the app’s largest audience globally. McLeod will remain an advisor to Hinge through March 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership handover, while also serving as Chairman of Overtone.
This shake-up underscores the fierce competition in the dating app market. Companies like Match Group are under immense pressure to rekindle growth amid user fatigue and skepticism about traditional algorithms. Rivals such as Bumble and Grindr are also increasing investments in AI to improve personalization and enhance safety.
McLeod’s move to a dedicated AI venture signals a pivotal moment. It suggests the future of digital dating lies in sophisticated AI-driven matchmaking that moves beyond the swipe. Match Group’s decision to support Overtone demonstrates a strategic push to lead the next wave of technological innovation in the $10 billion industry.
