Hinge’s Founder Launches a New AI Dating Venture called Overtone

Ever felt like your dating app experience could be more human and less repetitive? That’s exactly the challenge the online dating world is trying to solve. In a bold move toward a more intentional future for digital romance, Justin McLeod — the founder and former CEO of Hinge — is stepping down to launch a new AI-driven dating service called Overtone, backed by Match Group according to the Match Group press release.

If you’ve ever swiped endlessly without meaningful results, you’re not alone. Many users find traditional swiping mechanics exhausting and impersonal. Overtone aims to explore a different path by using AI and voice-centered tools to spark thoughtful, natural interactions that feel more like real conversation than algorithmic matches.

McLeod’s journey reflects how much the dating landscape has evolved. When he founded Hinge in 2011, the idea was to design an app that encouraged deeper connections rather than casual swiping. Over time, Hinge became one of the most popular apps for people seeking intentional relationships. Now, McLeod is building on that legacy with a fresh approach to matchmaking.

A Strategic Transition

Match Group is positioning both Hinge and Overtone for future growth. As part of the transition, Jackie Jantos — previously Hinge’s president and chief marketing officer — has been promoted to CEO of Hinge. Jantos has been instrumental in expanding Hinge globally and making it culturally relevant, especially for younger users.

Overtone was incubated inside Hinge throughout 2025 with early support and pre-seed funding from Match Group. The plan is for Match Group to lead Overtone’s initial funding round in early 2026 and maintain a meaningful ownership stake while the venture operates independently. Both Match Group’s CEO and McLeod will help guide the spinout: McLeod as chairman, and Match Group’s Spencer Rascoff joining Overtone’s board according to Reuters.

McLeod will also serve as an advisor to Hinge through March to support continuity. That provides a sense of stability — not just disruption — as both companies aim to innovate without losing sight of what users want.

What This Means for You and Your Dating Journey

So what does all this mean for you — the person scrolling profiles, navigating messages, and wondering if there’s a better way? Here are a few key takeaways:

• Intentional AI can support real conversations. The goal of Overtone isn’t to automate romance but to help you express yourself more clearly and confidently, using AI in ways that feel natural rather than intrusive.
• Hinge’s evolution continues. With a new CEO focused on growth and innovation, Hinge is positioned to keep delivering experiences that prioritize meaningful connection over endless swiping.
• Voice and personality matter. Tools that center your voice — literally — can bridge the awkward gap between digital chat and real-world chemistry, helping first impressions feel more authentic.
• AI won’t replace you — but it could help you date smarter. The most successful technologies will enhance your instincts and support personal interactions, not take them over.

Many daters report that early messaging feels repetitive or hollow, and too many matches end before they really begin. By focusing on thoughtful engagement and supportive tools, Overtone could help ease those early hurdles — lowering the barrier to genuine first conversations and helping you get to the moments that matter sooner.

Meanwhile, Hinge under Jantos’s leadership continues to innovate. Her focus on product grounded in user insight — especially among younger daters — has helped Hinge grow in relevance and impact, proving that even as technology advances, human experience remains at the center of successful dating platforms.

In the end, what people seek hasn’t changed: connection, understanding, and moments that feel real. What’s changing is how technology can support that search more thoughtfully, with tools that respect your voice and make your dating journey feel less like a chore and more like possibility.