Who Owns Coffee Meets Bagel?

Coffee Meets Bagel was created by three sisters: Arum, Dawoon, and Soo Kang. Arum first had the idea for the app in 2011, and the sisters launched the platform in New York City on April 17, 2012. The app quickly expanded to Boston on May 10, 2012, and San Francisco on October 24, 2012. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for quality-focused dating while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the curated dating category for generations.

In September 2012, the company announced it had raised $600,000 in seed funding led by Lightbank, with Match.com co-founder Peng T. Ong also participating. This early funding helped establish the platform's unique approach to curated dating. This strategic investment demonstrated exceptional ability to identify emerging market needs while establishing a competitive advantage in the dating app market.

The company gained national attention in January 2015 when the Kang sisters appeared on Shark Tank seeking $500,000 for 5% of the company. They famously turned down Mark Cuban's historic $30 million offer to buy the entire company, the largest offer in Shark Tank history at the time, choosing to maintain control over their vision. This strategic decision demonstrated exceptional commitment to brand independence while maintaining control over their unique dating approach.

Following their Shark Tank appearance, Coffee Meets Bagel secured a $7.8 million Series A financing round in February 2015, led by existing investor DCM Ventures. The company continued growing and in May 2018 raised $12 million in Series B funding led by Atami Capital. This continued growth demonstrated Coffee Meets Bagel's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

As of 2024, Coffee Meets Bagel's net worth is estimated to be over $150 million, with annual revenue estimated at $36 million. The company has maintained its independence while growing its user base and refining its curated approach to online dating. This continued evolution demonstrates Coffee Meets Bagel's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to quality-focused dating solutions. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of curated dating platforms and user-focused technology companies.