Who Owns Bumble?
Bumble is owned by Bumble Inc., a publicly traded American technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Bumble was founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014 and launched as a women-first dating app. Bumble Inc. trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol BMBL and was co-founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd along with Andrey Andreev.
Parent Company
Bumble Inc.
Founded
2014
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Austin, Texas, USA
Who Owns Bumble?
- Parent Company: Bumble Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: BMBL
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bumble | Bumble Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Bumble
- Founded: 2014
- Founders: Whitney Wolfe Herd, Andrey Andreev
Bumble was founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, a co-founder of Tinder who left the company and sought to create a women-first dating platform. The app was developed with the unique premise that in heterosexual matches, women must make the first move, aiming to create a safer and more empowering dating environment.
The app launched in December 2014 and quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to online dating and its focus on female empowerment. Throughout 2015-2016, Bumble expanded its user base and introduced additional features including BFF mode for friendship and Bizz mode for professional networking.
In 2017, Bumble Inc. was formed as a separate entity, combining Bumble with other dating properties. Under Wolfe Herd's leadership, the company expanded internationally and introduced new safety features and community guidelines.
Bumble Inc. went public on NASDAQ in February 2021 under the ticker symbol BMBL, with Whitney Wolfe Herd becoming the youngest female CEO to take a company public. The IPO raised over $2 billion and valued the company at approximately $13 billion.
About Bumble Inc.
Bumble Inc. operates as a technology company focused on social networking and online dating. The company's business model centers on connecting people through digital platforms while generating revenue primarily through premium subscription services and in-app purchases.
The company's portfolio includes apps targeting different types of connections: Bumble for dating and networking with women-first features, Badoo for international dating with a broader user base, and BFF for platonic friendships. This diversified approach allows Bumble Inc. to capture multiple segments of the social connection market.
Bumble Inc. invests heavily in technology development, including safety features, verification systems, and algorithm improvements to enhance user experience and maintain platform security. The company also focuses on international expansion, with significant operations in North America, Europe, and growing presence in international markets.
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: BMBL
Where Is Bumble Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, United Kingdom, Global (distributed development)
Brands Owned by Bumble Inc.
- Badoo - International social discovery and dating platform founded in 2006, operating as...
Bumble Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Women-first approach creates safer dating environment
- +Multiple modes for dating, friendship, and professional networking
- +Strong brand recognition and female empowerment focus
- +Continuous innovation in safety features and user experience
- +Global expansion with localized features and cultural adaptation
Considerations
- -Subscription pressure for premium features like unlimited swipes
- -Limited user pool in some geographic areas compared to larger competitors
- -Competition from other dating apps with similar features
- -Challenges maintaining user safety and content moderation at scale
- -Dependency on mobile app store policies and algorithms
Frequently Asked Questions About Bumble
Competitors to Bumble
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Meets Bagel | USA | 2012 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Grindr | USA | 2009 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Match Group | USA | 2013 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Hily | USA | 2017 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Match Group | USA | 1995 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Match Group | USA | 2004 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Coffee Meets Bagel
Owned by Coffee Meets Bagel
San Francisco-based dating service focused on quality matches and curated connections, with over 10 million users worldwide seeking serious relationships.
Grindr
Owned by Grindr
World's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, using location-based technology to connect users globally.
HER
Owned by Match Group, Inc.
Leading dating and social networking app for queer women, nonbinary, and trans people, founded in 2013 and acquired by Match Group.
Hily
Owned by Hily
Data-driven dating app founded in 2017, using AI algorithms and compatibility checks to match users based on interests and behavior patterns.
Match.com
Owned by Match Group, Inc.
One of the oldest and largest online dating platforms, founded in 1995 and pioneering the digital dating industry.
OkCupid
Owned by Match Group, Inc.
Data-driven dating platform founded in 2004, known for its comprehensive matching algorithms and inclusive approach to online dating.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Bumble competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Bumble Inc. Stock Information
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