Who Owns Scruff?

Scruff was launched in 2010 by Johnny Skandros and Eric Silverberg as a dating and social networking app designed specifically for gay, bi, trans, and queer men. The app was created to serve a segment of the LGBTQ+ dating market that the founders felt was underserved by existing platforms, particularly users looking for a more community-oriented and inclusive experience. The app's name, "Scruff," was chosen to reflect a focus on a broader range of gay men, including those who did not fit the mainstream aesthetic emphasized by other dating apps.

The app launched initially on iOS and expanded to Android in 2011. In its early years, Scruff differentiated itself from competitors like Grindr by offering a more feature-rich platform with profile customization options, community events listings, and travel-focused features. Scruff's "Venture" feature, introduced in 2013, allowed users to announce travel plans and connect with other users at their destination, addressing a specific need for LGBTQ+ travelers.

In 2013, Scruff introduced a community feature called "Poz," designed for HIV-positive users to connect and share experiences. This feature was among the first of its kind on a mainstream LGBTQ+ dating app and was recognized by public health organizations as a step toward reducing stigma around HIV status in dating contexts. Scruff also partnered with public health organizations to provide sexual health resources within the app.

Throughout the 2010s, Scruff grew its user base to over 30 million registered users globally, with particularly strong adoption in North America, Europe, and Latin America. The app expanded its feature set to include group events, community forums, and a "Gay Slang Dictionary" feature that translated LGBTQ+ slang terms across languages for international users.

In 2017, Perry Street Software acquired Jack'd, another LGBTQ+ dating app, from Online Buddies Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition brought Jack'd's user base under Perry Street Software's portfolio, though Jack'd continued to operate as a separate app with its own branding and user interface. The Jack'd acquisition positioned Perry Street Software as a multi-brand LGBTQ+ dating company, though Scruff remained the flagship product.

In 2019, Scruff faced a significant challenge when Google removed the app from the Google Play Store, citing violations of its sexual content policies. The removal was part of a broader crackdown by Google on dating apps that included sexually explicit profile content. Scruff was reinstated to the Play Store after modifying its content policies and profile photo guidelines to comply with Google's requirements. This incident highlighted the dependency of dating apps on platform gatekeepers and the tension between community-specific content norms and generic app store policies.

In the 2020s, Scruff continued to operate as a leading LGBTQ+ dating platform, competing primarily with Grindr, Hornet, and Tinder's LGBTQ+ features. The app has faced increased competition from mainstream dating apps that have expanded their LGBTQ+ functionality, but has maintained its position by emphasizing community-specific features and its identity as an LGBTQ+-owned and operated business.

As of 2026, Scruff remains operational and available on iOS and Android. Perry Street Software continues to maintain both Scruff and Jack'd, though the company has not disclosed recent user growth metrics or financial performance. The app's focus on community building, safety features, and LGBTQ+ specific functionality remains its primary competitive positioning.