Who Owns Grindr?

Joel Simkhai founded Grindr in March 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Simkhai, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, launched the app as one of the first geosocial networking platforms designed specifically for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer users. The app used smartphone GPS technology to show users nearby profiles, a concept that was novel at the time. The launch coincided with the early days of the App Store, and Grindr quickly gained traction among early iPhone adopters.

Within its first year, Grindr reached approximately 100,000 users. By 2011, the app had surpassed 2 million users and expanded to international markets. Grindr's rapid growth attracted investor attention. In January 2016, Beijing Kunlun Tech acquired a majority stake for approximately $93 million. Kunlun completed the buyout in 2018, paying approximately $152 million for the remaining shares.

The Kunlun ownership period proved short-lived. In 2019, CFIUS intervened, ordering Kunlun to divest Grindr over concerns that Chinese ownership of an app handling sensitive LGBTQ+ user data, including HIV status and location information, constituted a national security risk. Kunlun had not submitted either the 2016 or 2018 acquisition for CFIUS review, which triggered the regulatory action.

San Vicente Acquisition LLC purchased Grindr from Kunlun in 2020 for approximately $620 million. The investor group included Michael Gearon, Raymond Zage, and James Lu. Reuters reporting later revealed financial and personal links between San Vicente and Kunlun, raising questions about whether the divestment fully severed ties to the original Chinese owner.

Under San Vicente ownership, Grindr focused on improving platform safety, expanding revenue through premium subscriptions, and preparing for a public listing. The company launched Grindr Unlimited, a higher-tier subscription, and invested in content moderation and user verification features.

In November 2022, Grindr completed its merger with Tiga Acquisition Corp., a SPAC controlled by Raymond Zage. The deal valued Grindr at $2.1 billion and listed the company on the NYSE under GRND. Existing shareholders retained 78% of the combined entity. The IPO raised capital for product development and expansion.

As a public company, Grindr has posted strong revenue growth. In 2024, annual revenue reached approximately $318 million. In Q1 2026, the company reported revenue of $130 million, up 38% year-over-year, with net income of $27 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 45%. Grindr raised its full-year 2026 guidance to at least $535 million in revenue and $227 million in adjusted EBITDA. The company has also invested in AI features, launching its "gAI" (Grindr AI) capabilities and a global brand campaign.

In late 2025, a group of major shareholders attempted a take-private bid valued at approximately $3.46 billion. The offer was withdrawn, and Grindr continues to operate as an independent public company.