Justin McLeod, the CEO of Hinge, has come a long way since his days of handing out KitKats to entice students to join his dating app. Back in 2011, he was just a young Harvard Business School student with a vision for a dating software unlike any other. Today, Hinge is the second-most downloaded dating app in English-speaking areas, boasting over 14 million users who are in search of their perfect match.
McLeod’s journey to success was not an easy one. In the early days of Hinge, he struggled to get his classmates to sign up for the app. The traditional methods of meeting new people in class, dormitories, and parties made it challenging for him to attract users to his platform. So, he took matters into his own hands and started going around the Georgetown college library in Washington, D.C., offering KitKats as an incentive for students to try out Hinge. Despite his efforts, he was only able to recruit a few users a day.
To fund the launch of Hinge, McLeod had to rely on networking, talking to as many people as possible, and collecting money from anyone who was willing to invest in his idea. He managed to secure several $5,000 and $10,000 checks to kickstart his app. However, it was not until he received a job offer from McKinsey, a prestigious consulting firm, that he was able to finally launch Hinge.
McLeod’s decision to turn down the lucrative job offer from McKinsey in favor of pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams was a risky move. But his passion for Hinge was unwavering, and he knew that he had to see his vision through. It paid off when Match Group acquired Hinge in 2015 for an undisclosed amount after the app raised $26.35 million and was valued at $75.5 million.
Today, McLeod continues to lead Hinge as its CEO, overseeing its impressive growth and success. The company raked in $396 million in revenue last year, allowing him to purchase a luxurious $13 million home for his family in New York.
As a successful Gen Z entrepreneur, McLeod has some words of advice for aspiring business owners. He believes that in order to create something truly impactful and successful, one must strike a balance between being hopelessly idealistic and brutally realistic. It is important to dream big but also pay attention to the practical day-to-day realities of running a business.
For young people who are unsure of what they want to do after graduation, McLeod encourages them to stop overthinking and start taking action. Whether it’s starting a company or entering the workforce, it’s important to get out there and explore different opportunities. By staying curious and open-minded, one can discover their true passion and purpose.
In conclusion, Justin McLeod’s journey from a student handing out KitKats to the CEO of a $400 million dating app serves as an inspiring example of the power of perseverance and determination. His story is a testament to the fact that with hard work, passion, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible.
