Whitney Wolfe Herd has appeared on CNBC’s morning talk show Squawk Box to talk about the news that Facebook Dating is now available in the US.
The Bumble founder called the social media giant’s entry “highly validating” as it shows online dating is now a mainstream phenomenon with almost no stigma attached.
Further, she was confident that it would support the wider market, as those who first test the online dating waters through Facebook may later come to Bumble.
Wolfe Herd hinted that Facebook’s move might be beneficial to any future valuation of the female-first connection app. A potential Bumble IPO has been talked about for approximately 12 months now, with analysts estimating it would be worth more than $1 billion.
Facebook launched its Dating feature in the US on 5th September, its 20th international market after being rolled out in locations across South America and Asia.
GDI contacted numerous executives from the online dating industry and compiled a list of immediate reactions to the news.
During the interview, Wolfe Herd also discussed the issue of sending unsolicited sexual images. The act is now outlawed in Texas after she worked closely with lobbyists and senators. Offenders can be fined up to $500.
The next step, according to the entrepreneur, is to take the bill to Washington with the hope that it could be made a federal law across the country.
Watch the full discussion here.