Hinge Founder Steps Down to Launch New App Overtone

In a major shake-up for the online dating industry, Match Group announced that Hinge founder and long-time CEO Justin McLeod is stepping down to launch a fresh, AI-powered dating platform named Overtone. The spin-off, which was incubated within Hinge through 2025, will now operate as an independent company.

Hinge will be led forward by its current President and Chief Marketing Officer, Jackie Jantos, who assumes the CEO role effective immediately. Under her leadership, Hinge has expanded into new international markets – including Europe and Latin America – and sharpened its appeal among younger singles, especially Gen Z users. McLeod has already announced his new role as Overtone’s CEO – which also caused a slight dip in Match Group’s stock price, albeit likely a temporary one.

Overtone, according to Match Group, will concentrate on leveraging artificial intelligence and voice-based tools to facilitate more thoughtful, deeper connections. Match Group plans to lead the initial funding round for Overtone in early 2026 and will retain significant ownership in the venture. Justin McLeod will serve as chairman of Overtone and remain an advisor at Hinge through March 2026. As an experimental offshoot project, Overtone’s success or failure could have a direct impact on Hinge’s future projects.

The move signals a bold strategic pivot for Match Group — one that reflects broader industry dynamics, where established apps face “swipe fatigue” and shifting user expectations. By investing in AI-driven dating, Match Group is attempting to stay ahead in a crowded market. In announcing the transition, McLeod emphasized confidence in Hinge’s growth trajectory and spotlighted Overtone as a next-generation platform tuned to contemporary dating demands. Meanwhile, Jantos said she is committed to maintaining Hinge’s core mission: to foster meaningful, in-person relationships while continuing to evolve the app experience.