20VC: Grindr: The Most Insane Story in Startups | How the Chinese Bought and Lost Grindr | The Successful IPO with $300M Revenues and 40% EBITDA Margins | How Grindr Built a Free Cash Flow Machine
In this episode of the 20VC podcast, George Arison, CEO of Grindr, shares the app's remarkable evolution from a simple hookup platform to a potential "super app." Grindr stands out for its impressive efficiency, generating high revenue per employee while keeping marketing costs low, primarily relying on word-of-mouth. Arison outlines his vision for expanding the app's offerings, particularly in travel and healthcare, and highlights the significance of lean management and accountability in building a thriving tech company. He also clarifies common misconceptions about Grindr's valuation, arguing that it should be viewed alongside social networks rather than just dating apps, given its high user engagement and diverse features.
