Dating App Bumble Sold for $1.3bn
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The dating app Bumble has been bought by an investment firm in a deal worth $1.3 billion.
The firm described the acquisition as a 'bet on the future of humanity', suggesting it believes people will always need ways to connect romantically.
Bumble became well known for its 'women-first' rule, which meant women had to send the first message in a match. The company recently removed this rule.
Launched in 2014, Bumble grew quickly and became one of the most popular dating apps in the world. Its approach was seen as a way to make online dating safer for women.
It is not yet clear exactly how the new owners plan to change the app, but the deal shows continued investor interest in dating platforms.
The sale comes at a time when many dating apps have faced falling user numbers, as people look for new ways to meet partners.
Despite this, the investment firm's large payment suggests confidence that dating apps still have a strong future.
The company has not given further details about what changes may come under its new ownership.
Vocabulary4 words
- dating app
- a phone app that helps people find romantic partners
- investment firm
- a company that buys businesses to earn money
- acquisition
- the act of buying a company
- investor
- a person or company that puts money into a business
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Because women had to message first 2. It removed the 'women-first' rule 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The dating app Bumble has been bought by an investment _____ in a deal worth $1.3 billion.
The firm described the acquisition as a 'bet on the future of _____'.
Bumble became well known for its '_____-first' rule.
The company recently _____ this rule.
Launched in _____, Bumble grew quickly.
Its approach was seen as a way to make online dating _____ for women.
It is not yet clear how the new owners plan to _____ the app.
Many dating apps have faced falling _____ numbers.
The investment firm's large payment suggests _____ in dating apps' future.
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