Who Owns Scruff?
Scruff is owned by Perry Street Software, an independent privately owned technology company founded in 2010 by Johnny Skandros and Eric Silverberg. Headquartered in New York City, Perry Street Software operates as an independently owned and operated LGBTQ+ business. Scruff serves over 30 million guys worldwide as the company's flagship platform for gay, bi, trans, and queer community connection.
Parent Company
Perry Street Software
Founded
2010
Status
Private
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Who Owns Scruff?
- Parent Company: Perry Street Software
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Privately Held
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Scruff | Perry Street Software | Wholly owned |
History of Scruff
- Founded: 2010
- Founders: Johnny Skandros, Eric Silverberg
Scruff was founded in 2010 by Johnny Skandros and Eric Silverberg as a dating and social networking app specifically designed for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for technology software solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the technology software category for generations. The platform was developed to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, date, and build community. This strategic positioning demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to create differentiated technology software solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
In 2013, Scruff added a community for HIV-positive users called "Poz," making it the first app to include such a feature and demonstrating the company's commitment to serving diverse needs within the LGBTQ+ community. This period of excellence demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple technology software segments. This strategic diversification demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the technology software industry.
Throughout its development, Scruff has grown to serve over 30 million users globally, establishing itself as one of the most popular and reliable apps for the gay, bi, trans, and queer community. This continued evolution demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing technology software requirements and technological advancements. The platform has distinguished itself through its focus on safety, community building, and authentic LGBTQ+ representation. This continued excellence demonstrates Scruff's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing technology software dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to integrate into larger technology software corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the dating industry.
In 2019, Perry Street Software acquired Jack'd, another popular LGBTQ+ dating app, further strengthening its position in the market while maintaining operational independence as an LGBTQ+ owned and operated business. This continued evolution demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing technology software requirements and corporate dynamics. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of dating and consumer-focused technology software solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct technology software identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Scruff's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing technology software dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to integrate into larger technology software corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the dating industry. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of dating and consumer-focused technology software solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct technology software identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Scruff's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing technology software dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Scruff's exceptional ability to integrate into larger technology software corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the dating industry.
About Perry Street Software
Perry Street Software operates as a technology company focused on LGBTQ+ dating applications. The company's business model centers on premium subscription services across its portfolio of apps.
The platform generates revenue through paid memberships like Scruff Pro, which offer enhanced functionality and advanced features. The company also explores innovative approaches like quiz shows and cultural engagement to develop user habits and increase daily app usage.
Perry Street Software's focus on serving the LGBTQ+ community has allowed it to build a dedicated user base while maintaining its independence from larger dating conglomerates. The company's authentic understanding of queer dating preferences and community dynamics has been key to its success.
- Founded: 2010
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Company Type: Privately Held
Where Is Scruff Made / Based?
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, International operations
Scruff Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Backed by Perry Street Software's authentic LGBTQ+ ownership and operation
- +Strong understanding of queer community needs and preferences
- +Established user base of 30+ million global users
- +Proven track record since 2010 with consistent growth
- +Commitment to serving diverse LGBTQ+ sub-communities
Considerations
- -Competition from mainstream apps adding LGBTQ+ features
- -Need to balance growth with community safety and authenticity
- -Limited resources compared to larger dating conglomerates
- -Dependency on subscription revenue for sustainability
- -Challenge of maintaining relevance across diverse LGBTQ+ demographics
Frequently Asked Questions About Scruff
Competitors to Scruff
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Group | USA | 2023 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Match Group | USA | 2013 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Taimi | International operations | 2017 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Grindr | USA | 2009 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Cosmic Latte | Czech Republic | 2018 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Bumble Inc | United Kingdom | 2006 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Archer
Owned by Match Group, Inc.
Social-first dating app for gay, bi, and queer men, launched by Match Group in 2023 with face-first profiles and community features.

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.

Taimi
Owned by Taimi
All-inclusive LGBTQ+ social networking and dating platform serving over 25 million users globally with comprehensive queer community features.

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.

Zoe
Owned by Cosmic Latte
Dating and social networking app for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, founded by Cosmic Latte to serve the LGBTQ+ women's community.

Badoo
Owned by Bumble Inc.
International social discovery and dating platform founded in 2006, operating as part of Bumble Inc.'s portfolio of global connection apps.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Scruff 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.
Jobs at Perry Street Software
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