Hinge founder leaves CEO role to launch AI-powered dating startup
Justin McLeod speaks during the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2025 on Sept. 18, 2025 in New York City.
Eugene Gologursky | Getty Images
Hinge founder Justin McLeod is stepping down as CEO of the dating app to launch a dating service powered by artificial intelligence.
McLeod will be replaced by Jackie Jantos, the dating app’s president and chief marketing officer, Hinge parent company Match Group announced on Tuesday.
“The company’s momentum, including being on track to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2027, gives me full confidence in where Hinge is headed,” said McLeod in a statement. He created the dating app in 2011.
McLeod will remain as an advisor to Hinge through March. Overtone, his new venture, will use AI and voice tools to “help people connect in a more thoughtful and personal way,” according to the announcement.
Along with a dedicated team, McLeod spent much of this year developing the startup with support from Match Group, which said it plans to lead Overtone’s initial funding round in early 2026.
Match Group, which also owns Tinder and various other dating apps, will hold a significant ownership position in Overtone. Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff will join Overtone’s board.
“We’re proud to have incubated Overtone within Hinge and to now lead its funding round as he builds his next venture,” Rascoff said in a statement.
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