Hinge founder raises $18 million for AI-powered matchmaking service that's not a dating app
The new service, called Overtone, uses spoken interviews instead of static profiles. It aims to avoid the swipe-based model of Tinder and OkCupid. The funding includes support from FirstMark Capital and Pace Capital.
Justin McLeod, former CEO of Hinge, has raised $18 million to launch Overtone, a new AI-driven matchmaking service that diverges from traditional dating apps. Unlike platforms such as Tinder and OkCupid, which rely on swiping through static profiles, Overtone uses spoken interviews to build deep user profiles. This approach aims to foster more meaningful connections by focusing on conversational insights rather than superficial data points.
The service is being developed as a response to growing concerns about the limitations of swipe-based matchmaking. McLeod, who stepped down as Hinge's CEO in December 2025, has positioned Overtone as a more thoughtful alternative. The company plans to leverage AI to process spoken interviews and generate detailed user profiles, which will be used to match individuals based on compatibility rather than surface-level preferences.
The $18 million funding round includes backing from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital, and other investors. This financial support underscores the potential of AI-driven matchmaking, which is gaining traction as a more nuanced alternative to traditional dating apps. The funding will be used to refine the AI algorithms and scale the service for broader adoption.
In India, where dating apps have faced scrutiny from regulators such as TRAI, Overtone's approach may be seen as a more privacy-conscious alternative. Indian builders are exploring AI-driven solutions that align with local regulatory expectations and user preferences, which often emphasize transparency and data minimization. This could position Overtone as a viable option in markets where traditional dating apps have encountered resistance.
The launch of Overtone signals a shift in the matchmaking industry toward more personalized and AI-driven approaches. As the service expands, it may influence how other platforms rethink their models, potentially leading to a broader industry move away from swipe-based interactions. This could have long-term implications for user engagement and the overall dating app ecosystem.