Match Group, the parent company of dating platforms including Tinder, is slowing down hiring as it shifts focus toward building an AI-ready workforce. The company plans to redirect spending toward employee training, internal tools, and technology upgrades aimed at making operations more AI-driven.
Steven Bailey, chief financial officer, said the company’s priority is to become “AI-native”. The strategy centres on equipping employees with better artificial intelligence tools and helping teams adapt to new ways of working through training and enablement initiatives.
Rather than increasing overall expenses, Match Group is choosing to control costs by reducing the pace of recruitment. The company is using the savings to fund its growing AI investments while maintaining financial discipline.
The company reported quarterly revenue of $864 million, marking a 4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. However, Match Group indicated that the upcoming quarter could see slower momentum, with revenue expected to remain flat or decline slightly.
Tinder, Match Group’s largest platform, is beginning to show signs of recovery after facing pressure in recent quarters. Revenue at the app improved modestly, while the decline in monthly active users eased compared to earlier periods. The platform also recorded growth in new registrations for the first time since 2024.
As part of its efforts to strengthen engagement among younger users, particularly Generation Z, Tinder is expanding its focus beyond digital interactions. The company is increasingly investing in in-person experiences and social events, reflecting a broader push to create more meaningful connections outside traditional app-based swiping.
