Cupid Media
Digital media and internet information services company.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | $51.0m Valuation: $51.0m | Acquisition | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Established in 2000 by co-founders Andrew and Emily Bolton, Cupid Media operates as a prominent online dating network from its base on the Gold Coast of Australia. The venture began with a single website, AsianEuro.com (now AsianDating.com), born from the founders' minimal initial coding knowledge and a vision to connect singles globally. This initial success spurred the creation of a broader portfolio of dating sites catering to specific regions and cultures.
The company's strategic focus is on niche dating, providing a portfolio of approximately 33 specialized websites. These platforms are tailored to connect individuals based on specific ethnicities, religions, lifestyles, and special interests. Notable brands within the portfolio include FilipinoCupid, Muslima, AfroIntroductions, and InternationalCupid, which collectively serve a user base that has grown to over 60 million registered members across more than 200 countries. The services are accessible in over 40 languages, removing geographical and linguistic barriers for users seeking meaningful connections.
Cupid Media's business model is primarily a "freemium" subscription service. Users can create profiles and browse for free, but must purchase a subscription to access premium communication features. This model generates revenue by converting free members into paying subscribers. In July 2021, the company was acquired by Dating Group for $51 million, a move that integrated Cupid Media into a larger global dating entity and was projected to increase the parent company's annual revenue to over $300 million. The acquisition expanded Dating Group's portfolio to include Cupid's 33 sites, enhancing its footprint in new cultural and international markets.
Keywords: online dating, niche dating, international dating, cultural dating, religious dating, relationship services, freemium model, subscription service, Cupid Media, Dating Group, Andrew Bolton, Emily Bolton, FilipinoCupid, Muslima, AsianDating, AfroIntroductions, InternationalCupid, LatinAmericanCupid, social network, matchmaking