For as long as there has been smartphones there has been dating apps. People need a way to meet and apps are a good first step. It is not surprising there are many dating apps and those who use them likely use more than one. Each of the app has its advantages and disadvantages, but it is a large market.

Bumble is an app which is unique among dating applications for letting women make the first move. It empowers women to feel safer and more in control of the dating which is a good thing.

Women have become large users which attracts men which eventually means the company has decided to sell shares in the IPO or Initial Public Offering market. It is a good thing to do because in 2020 companies raised a record $168 billion according to Dealogic.

In an article from Reuters, Bumble is selling 45 million shares at $39 a share to raise as much as $1.8 billion valuing the company at $7 billion. Last year the company had considered offering 34.5 million shares at $28 to $30 a share. One of the big beneficiaries will by Blackstone Group who is a majority shareholder. Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are the lead underwriters.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, in a crowded market such as dating apps, Bumble offered something unique and people were attracted to it. It is surprising that it was the first app to let women make the first move because 50% of the customers are women. The market to empower women must be a big market, perhaps we will see more companies cater to women.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.