Dating.com to dip toe in expanding US, Asian markets

Dating.com Group, managed by Malta-based SOL Networks, announced plans to expand into the United States and Asia by acquiring dating companies there, according to a press statement the group published. The group expects the online dating market to grow to $3.74b in developed markets.

SOL Networks is an umbrella brand for 15+ projects. The board of Dating.com took this “strategic” decision, during the board meeting in Malta in the spring of 2019. The group plans to expand through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, which will be announced in the near future.  

“Countless dating startups have popped up in recent years and we are eager to find ones that are a good fit for Dating.com Group’s ambitious goals,” said Alla Gubenko, board director in Dating.com Group. “Our key markets are Asia and the US, for their growth potential. We would love to make deals with companies targeting those areas in creative ways,” he added.

The company is developing its inorganic investment strategy and is looking to partner with early and late-stage companies in online dating, social interaction and live streaming markets, according to the press release.

Group anticipates expanding markets

Dating.com Group expects the market to grow to $3.74b in developed markets, with future growth expected in developing markets, speakers of the group announced during GDI Singapore Dating Conference 2019 – Global Dating Insights held on 13-14 May, based on research they carried out.

For instance, in China, dating companies have earned around $50m in revenue from mobile application downloads. In India, online dating platform Tinder was the top-grossing app on Google Play and the second-highest on Apple’s App Store at the end of 2018.

“The iPhone’s disruptive potential cannot be overstated. The way people conduct their lives and interact is evolving. Companies must provide creative, tailored solutions to prosper in the next decade,” said Yuri Papadin, Head of M&A and Corporate Development at Dating.com Group.

Focusing on app improvements, the research also revealed that customers are looking for more than “superficial pictures” usually posted on such platforms and the swiping-nature of selecting date parties. Therefore, Badoo — another dating platform — is preparing to switch “swiping” for live streaming after a survey of users found that 68% dislike swiping. Tinder has also partnered with Foursquare to set up “real-life” dates, the press statement says.

“It was great sharing our insights at the GDI conference. Since the market may be cooling a bit, it is more important than ever that companies do their homework and tailor dating platforms to a specific niche,” said Maria Sullivan, the head of the Dating.com Group’s New York office.

Dating.com Group is a global social discovery platform, enabling people from around the globe to connect through the power of shared interests and mutual benefits. Dating.com Group has offices in seven countries and a team of over 500 professionals and over 73 million users.

SOL Networks is an international internet-holding company headquartered in Malta. It specialises in the creation and promotion of websites where users can expand their social and business connections.