eDarling

eDarling operates as an online matchmaking platform targeting individuals in Europe seeking serious, long-term relationships. The company was established in Berlin in 2008 under its parent company, Affinitas GmbH, by founders Lukas Brosseder, David Khalil, and Christian Vollmann. The service officially went live in May 2009.

The founders brought diverse and relevant experience to the venture. Christian Vollmann, a serial entrepreneur and active business angel, had previously co-founded the successful German dating portal iLove and the video platform MyVideo. His background includes studies in business administration and work at Alando, a precursor to eBay in Germany. Lukas Brosseder and David Khalil also served as managing directors alongside Vollmann, guiding the company through its initial growth phase. The founding team eventually stepped back from daily operations around 2015 to take a break after several intensive years, handing over leadership to a new management team.

The platform's business model is centered on a scientific matchmaking principle designed to connect compatible partners. Revenue is generated primarily through premium subscription fees, which unlock the platform's full communication capabilities. While users can create a profile and receive partner suggestions for free, a paid membership is required for unlimited messaging and to view profile photos clearly. Subscription options are typically offered in 3, 6, and 12-month packages.

eDarling's core service is a detailed personality test that new members complete upon registration. This comprehensive questionnaire, based on the "Big Five" personality traits model, assesses dimensions like conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, extraversion, and neuroticism. The results, combined with user-specified demographic data and personal preferences, fuel a matching algorithm that suggests compatible partners. This methodology aims to facilitate deeper connections based on psychological compatibility rather than superficial criteria. The platform primarily serves a demographic of singles, with an average user age of around 38-39 years, who are looking for a committed partnership.

In a significant strategic move, Affinitas GmbH merged with Spark Networks, Inc. in 2017 to form Spark Networks SE, a major player in the global dating market. This transaction brought eDarling under the same corporate umbrella as other prominent dating brands like EliteSingles, JDate, and Christian Mingle. The merger created a publicly listed company on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol "LOV". Following the merger, eDarling has been integrated into Spark Networks' broader technology infrastructure, such as the "loveOS" platform, to streamline operations across its portfolio.

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