Dating Group acquires Once for $18 million

Launched in 2015, Once is a slow dating app that focuses on quality over quantity by picking the perfect matches for each user every day at noon using AI algorithms. Each pair has 24 hours of each other’s attention and can continue chatting if they 'like' each other. The AI analyses the account’s info, dating preferences and previous history to find the best possible match. Users can also rate each particular profile to let the AI better understand their taste. Once championed the “slow” dating model focusing on quality matches over-competing for the user’s attention. It is a leading app in the dating category in its core countries in Western Europe and has built a profitable business with over 10 million users. 

Once has become a part of Dating Group, one of the largest global holdings in the dating and social discovery markets with offices in seven countries and a team of more than 500 professionals, and more than 73 million registered users across the entire portfolio. Its brands include Dating.com, DateMyAge, Dil Mil, Cherish, Tubit, AnastasiaDate, ChinaLove, and many more, each with a unique platform tailored to different communities defined by interest, geography and demographics.

The acquisition deal values Once at up to $18 million and is made via a combination of cash and Dating Group stock. Clémentine Lalande, Co-founder and CEO of Once, will continue leading the company. Having experienced swipe-based dating apps herself, she wanted to build a refreshing alternative, enabling quality dating. “In such a concentrated and competitive market having a large partner will allow us to augment our reach and accelerate geographical expansion,” said Lalande

“We strongly believe in the concept of AI and making quality matches. We see a huge potential in integrating Once into our portfolio”, says Bill Alena, Chief Investment Officer at Dating Group. “We’re excited to have Clémentine join Dating Group, she and her team have built a fascinating product, and with this acquisition, Dating Group expands deeper into the Western European market.”

(Press release/RAN)