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Hinge Founder Justin McLeod Steps Down as Jackie Jantos Takes CEO Role, Spinning Out Match-Backed Overtone

Match Group backs McLeod’s AI-voice spinout to channel fresh experimentation into its dating portfolio.

Overview

  • McLeod is launching Overtone as an independent dating service that uses AI and voice tools to foster more personal connections.
  • Overtone was incubated within Hinge throughout 2025 with pre-seed support from Match Group, which plans to lead an initial funding round in early 2026 and hold a substantial stake.
  • Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff will join Overtone’s board, and McLeod will serve as chairman while advising Hinge through March.
  • Jantos, previously Hinge’s president and CMO, now leads a brand that expanded into Europe and Latin America and built its largest audience among Gen Z.
  • Company statements highlight Hinge’s momentum with a goal of $1 billion in revenue by 2027, with outside reporting noting recent growth in paying users.