Match Group Invests in Garbo to Enhance User Safety

Match Group, the company overseeing popular dating applications such as Tinder, Match, OkCupid, and Hinge, has announced a substantial, seven-figure investment in Garbo, a nonprofit background check platform. This strategic move aims to empower Match Group’s user base with greater insight for safer online dating experiences.

Garbo’s Mission and Founding

The collaboration will involve integrating Garbo’s background check technology into Tinder later this year, with subsequent rollout across other U.S.-based Match Group dating apps.

A Survivor-Led Initiative

Founded in 2018 by Kathryn Kosmides, a survivor of gender-based violence, New York-based Garbo was created to simplify access to crucial background information potentially indicative of a history of violent behavior.

Distinguishing Garbo from Traditional Background Checks

Conventional background check services, often operated by for-profit entities, frequently compile a broad spectrum of personal data—including minor traffic infractions or drug-related offenses—that may not directly correlate with safety concerns or abusive tendencies.

Focus on Relevant Information

Garbo differentiates itself by concentrating on collecting public records and reports specifically pertaining to violence and abuse, encompassing arrests, convictions, restraining orders, harassment incidents, and other violent crimes.

Accessibility and Data Requirements

Users can utilize the service by providing either a first and last name, or a first name combined with a phone number—typically the limited information available on dating app matches.

Equitable Background Checks

Garbo’s checks are designed to be “equitable,” excluding data points like drug possession charges and traffic tickets (excluding DUIs and vehicular manslaughter) from its results. This approach addresses concerns about disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.

Early Success and Expansion Plans

A beta test of Garbo’s technology, launched last year with 500 participants in the NYC area, rapidly generated a waitlist exceeding 6,000 individuals through organic word-of-mouth. The test was paused as the team recognized the potential for nationwide implementation.

Seeking a Strategic Partner

Recognizing the need for greater financial resources to achieve national scale, Garbo sought a larger partner. A connection between Kosmides and Tracey Breeden, Match Group’s newly appointed Head of Safety, led to the collaborative agreement.

Match Group’s Commitment to Safety

Tracey Breeden emphasized the importance of corporations in dismantling barriers to safety and resources for marginalized groups. She stated that Match Group’s partnership with Garbo will empower users with information, fostering safer connections and online communities.

Previous Safety Investments

This investment represents Match Group’s second venture into external safety technology providers. In early 2020, the company invested in Noonlight to introduce new safety features within Tinder and other apps, following a critical report detailing the presence of known sexual predators on its platforms.

Competitive Landscape and Industry Trends

Tinder’s primary competitor, Bumble, has actively positioned itself as a more women-centric and secure dating option, implementing features to protect users from harmful actors, including measures to prevent the misuse of the “unmatch” function.

Addressing Reputation and Risk

Maintaining a reputation for safety is crucial for brands like Tinder and the broader online dating industry, driving Match Group’s proactive investment in addressing safety concerns.

Garbo’s Future Development

The investment will enable Garbo to expand its team across product development, engineering, and leadership roles, including hiring a Head of Engineering and an initial team of five engineers. This team will focus on enhancing Garbo’s capabilities through technologies like natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

Collaboration and Accessibility

Match Group will provide substantial time and resources to support Garbo’s operationalization and integration into its products, beginning with Tinder. Furthermore, the companies aim to make Garbo’s technology accessible to other platforms, such as ridesharing services.

Pricing and Integration Details

The background check feature within Tinder may not be offered free of charge. Match Group will determine pricing based on factors such as user adoption rates, search volume, and other relevant considerations.

Integration Approach

The extent of integration—whether it will be an in-app feature or a link to Garbo’s external platform—remains to be determined.

Future Outlook

Match Group anticipates launching the feature on Tinder later this year, followed by other U.S. dating apps. The company is also considering similar investments for its international services in the coming months.