Hinge Founder Raises $18 Million for AI Dating Platform Overtone

Jul 16, 2026
Justin McLeod, founder of Hinge, has raised $18 million for Overtone, an AI-based dating service backed by Match Group, FirstMark Capital, and Pace Capital. The service focuses on voice and audio interactions for curated matchmaking and will launch later this year.

Hinge founder Justin McLeod has raised $18 million for his new company Overtone, according to Dealroom. The funding round includes investments from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital, and Match Group, which also owns Hinge, Tinder, and OkCupid.

Overtone describes itself as a voice and audio focused dating service that uses AI to provide curated introductions. McLeod explained that Overtone avoids profiles and algorithmic feeds found in most apps. Instead, it learns about users through their voices and stories to create thoughtfully matched introductions supported by relationship science.

The service will launch later this year in select locations. Overtone’s board includes relationship expert Esther Perel, Match chief executive officer Spencer Rascoff, and leadership advisor Diana Chapman.

McLeod, who stepped down as Hinge’s chief executive last year, positions Overtone as a different kind of experience for daters who are frustrated by traditional swipe-based apps and seek deeper connections.

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