Grindr
Publicly traded technology company operating the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, founded in 2009.
Company Type
public
Founded
2009
Headquarters
West Hollywood, California, USA
Stock
NYSE: GRND
About Grindr
Grindr operates as a technology company focused on social networking and dating for the LGBTQ+ community. The company's business model centers on connecting users through location-based services while generating revenue through premium subscriptions and advertising.
The platform offers both free and paid features, with premium subscriptions providing enhanced functionality such as more profile views, advanced filters, and ad-free browsing. Grindr also generates revenue through advertising partnerships and promotional features.
The company invests heavily in technology development, including safety features, verification systems, and platform improvements to maintain its position as the leading LGBTQ+ social networking app. Grindr has expanded beyond dating to include community features, social networking, and health initiatives.
History of Grindr
Grindr was founded in 2009 by Joel Simkhai, launching as one of the first geosocial networking apps specifically designed for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. The app revolutionized mobile dating by using location-based services to help users find nearby connections, fundamentally changing how LGBTQ+ people meet and interact.
Throughout the 2010s, Grindr experienced rapid growth and became the dominant platform in the LGBTQ+ dating and social networking space. The company expanded globally, establishing operations in numerous countries and becoming an essential part of LGBTQ+ culture and community life worldwide.
In 2016, Grindr was acquired by Chinese gaming company Beijing Kunlun Tech for approximately $93 million. However, in 2020, the company was sold to a consortium of American investors led by Raymond Zage III for approximately $608 million, amid concerns about foreign ownership of user data.
The most significant corporate change came in 2022 when Grindr went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called Tiga Acquisition Corp. The deal valued Grindr at $2.1 billion and listed the company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GRND.
In late 2025, major shareholders Raymond Zage III and James Lu attempted to take Grindr private in a $3.46 billion buyout offer, though the bid was ultimately withdrawn in November 2025.
Brands Owned by Grindr
Grindr owns 1 brand in our database.
Stock Information
Grindr Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Market leadership as the world's largest LGBTQ+ social networking platform
- +Strong brand recognition and cultural significance within LGBTQ+ community
- +Public company access to capital markets for growth and expansion
- +Established user base with millions of active users globally
- +Technology leadership in location-based social networking
Considerations
- -Competition from newer LGBTQ+ focused apps and mainstream platforms
- -Regulatory challenges regarding data privacy and user safety
- -Dependence on subscription revenue and user acquisition costs
- -Need to balance growth with community safety and inclusivity
- -Market saturation in developed LGBTQ+ dating markets
Frequently Asked Questions About Grindr
Is Grindr owned by another company?
No, Grindr is an independent publicly traded company. While it was previously owned by Beijing Kunlun Tech (2016-2020) and later by American investors, Grindr now operates independently and is publicly traded on NYSE under ticker GRND.
Is Grindr publicly traded?
Yes, Grindr is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GRND. The company went public in November 2022 through a SPAC merger valued at $2.1 billion.
When was Grindr founded?
Grindr was founded in 2009 by Joel Simkhai, launching as one of the first location-based dating apps specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community.
Who created Grindr?
Grindr was created by Joel Simkhai, who developed the app to help gay, bi, trans, and queer people connect using location-based technology. The app revolutionized mobile dating and social networking for the LGBTQ+ community.
What is Grindr's market position?
Grindr holds the dominant position in the LGBTQ+ social networking and dating market, serving millions of users globally. The company is recognized as the world's largest LGBTQ+ social networking platform and maintains significant cultural influence within the community.
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