Hinge AI dating spin-out Overtone is going solo
Match Group has announced Jackie Jantos will become Hinge CEO as founder Justin McLeod leaves to launch Overtone, a new AI-powered dating project.
Hinge founder Justin McLeod is stepping away to focus on a new AI-powered dating app called Overtone.
Match Group on Tuesday announced it is promoting Jackie Jantos from her role as chief marketing officer to succeed McLeod as Hinge chief executive.
Overtone originated inside Hinge and was developed by McLeod and a team over much of 2025 with Match Group’s support, Match explained.
The dating app firm, which also owns Tinder and Match.com, described Overtone as an early-stage dating service that uses AI and voice tools. Both Hinge and Match Group have backed the project with pre-seed financing and access to internal learnings.
Match Group plans to lead Overtone’s initial funding round in early 2026 and to hold a substantial ownership position, the company said.
Overtone will operate independently, though Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff will join its board and McLeod will serve as chairman.
“Justin has been an extraordinary innovator and world-class founder, taking Hinge from an early idea to a global leader in intentional dating,” said Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group.
McLeod will remain an advisor to Hinge through March to support the transition.
“Building Hinge has been the privilege of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has created,” said McLeod. “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.”
Match Group said Jantos, who has led Hinge’s brand, culture and product strategy for four years as president and chief marketing officer, will focus on continued growth and innovation. Under her tenure Hinge expanded into Europe and Latin America, introduced new product innovations, and grew its Gen Z audience, which the company said is now Hinge’s largest globally.
The Recap
- Match Group backs Overtone as Hinge founder departs.
- Match Group will lead Overtone’s funding round in early 2026.
- Justin McLeod will advise Hinge through March during transition.
