Spark Networks

Spark Networks is a global online dating company that operates a portfolio of brands tailored for singles seeking serious relationships. The company's history began in 1997 with the launch of Jdate, a niche dating site for the Jewish community. Its founder is recognized as Joe Shapira.

A significant milestone occurred in 2017 with the merger of the original U.S.-based Spark Networks, Inc. and the German-based Affinitas GmbH, creating Spark Networks SE, headquartered in Berlin. This strategic combination brought together a diverse portfolio of brands, including EliteSingles, eDarling, Jdate, and Christian Mingle. The company's growth trajectory continued with the acquisition of Zoosk, Inc. in 2019 for approximately $258 million, a move that doubled its scale and established it as the second-largest dating company in North America by revenue. This acquisition expanded Spark's global monthly paying subscribers to over one million.

Spark Networks' business model is centered on a subscription-based revenue stream. It operates in the online dating market, serving a broad spectrum of users across 29 countries and 15 languages. The company's core market focus is on the 40+ demographic and individuals with specific faith-based affiliations. Its portfolio includes both premium and freemium dating applications. The brand roster features well-known platforms like Zoosk, a service available in over 80 countries, and niche sites such as SilverSingles for the 50+ community, Christian Mingle for Christian singles, and Jdate for Jewish singles. Other brands include EliteSingles, which targets educated professionals, and JSwipe, a dating app for Jewish millennials. In early 2024, Spark Networks underwent a financial reorganization, resulting in MGG Investment Group LP becoming the sole equity holder. This was followed by the appointment of a new leadership team to drive future growth.

Keywords: online dating, relationship services, matchmaking, subscription dating, niche dating, Jdate, Christian Mingle, Zoosk, EliteSingles, SilverSingles, Affinitas GmbH, JSwipe, eDarling, international dating, faith-based dating, senior dating, professional dating, dating apps, social dating, MGG Investment Group