Spark Networks SE (AMEX: LOV) is a global dating company with a portfolio of premium brands designed for singles seeking serious relationships. These brands include EliteSingles, JDate, Christian Mingle, eDarling, JSwipe and Attractive World. Formed in 2017 through the merger of Affinitas GmbH and Spark Networks, Inc., the company has a presence in 29 countries worldwide and is publicly listed on the NYSE American LLC exchange under the ticker symbol "LOV."
Video Spark Networks
Websites
ChristianMingle
Initially launched in 2001, ChristianMingle.com is the largest online community of Christian singles. The site serves singles who are looking to date and marry within the Christian faith. ChristianMingle has over 9 million registered members.
The site partners with other Spark Networks properties, including DailyBibleVerse.com, to enhance the faith-based offerings for the online community. ChristianMingle's Statement of Faith is as follows: "The basis for our faith is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of the world and God's written Word, the Bible. We believe that embracing what God said allows us to live in freedom, joy and purpose."
The plot of the film Christian Mingle features the website.
JDate
Launched in 1997, JDate.com is a niche dating site that caters to Jewish singles. It has more than 750,000 members worldwide. In addition to the U.S. site, there are also JDate websites with unique domain names for Israel, the United Kingdom and France JDate.co.il, JDate.co.uk and JDate.fr).
ResearchNow, an independent research company, found that JDate is responsible for 52 percent of Jewish marriages that started online. This makes JDate responsible for more Jewish marriages than all other online dating sites combined.
EliteSingles
Designed for educated professionals seeking committed, long-term relationships, EliteSingles operates in over 25 countries.
eDarling
eDarling is a leading European online partner agency aimed at singles looking for long term relationships.
JSwipe
JSwipe is the largest and fastest growing Jewish dating app, with over 600,000 users across 70 countries. Launched on Passover 2014, the millennial-focused swipe dating app allows young Jewish people to find love, romance, and friendship in their local communities and across the world.
Attractive World
Attractive World is a premium dating site that allows existing members to decide whether or not new applicants are suitable to join the community based on their submitted profiles.
Maps Spark Networks
Other websites
In addition, a number of properties are included in Spark Networks' portfolio, including LDS Singles and Adventist.
History
The company was founded by Joe Y. Shapira in 1997 under the name MatchNet plc.
JDate.com, founded in 1997, was the company's first venture into online dating. The other key web property, ChristianMingle.com, was introduced in 2004.
In January 2005, the company changed its name to Spark Networks because management felt that the new name more sharply distinguished the company in the marketplace.
On November 10, 2014, JDate launched a dating app designed for Jewish singles.
On October 14, 2015, Spark Networks announced the acquisition of Smooch Labs, owner of the popular millennial Jewish dating app JSwipe. Spark Networks launched CROSSPATHS, a dating app that helps like-minded Christians find matches, on October 8, 2015.
Redesigns of the JDate and ChristianMingle websites were announced in 2015. In addition to revamped branding, the site makeovers featured technology changes (including expanded mobile capabilities), a re-designed inbox and a new "daily matches" feature. JDate's redesign went live on November 18, 2015, while ChristianMingle's went live on December 17, 2015.
On November 2, 2017, Spark Networks SE (NYSE American: LOV) announced the successful completion of the previously announced merger of Spark Networks, Inc. and Affinitas GmbH in a stock-for-stock transaction. The combination created a worldwide online dating platform, with brands including EliteSingles, eDarling, Jdate, Christian Mingle, JSwipe, and Attractive World serving a broad spectrum of users across 29 countries and 15 languages.
Operations
David Siminoff followed by Daniel M. Rosenthal formerly served as Chief Executive Officers of the company. The current Spark Networks leadership team consists of:
- Jeronimo Folgueira, Chief Executive Officer & Director of the Board
- Benjamin Hoskins, Chief Technology Officer
- Rob O'Hare, Chief Financial Officer
- Herbert Sablotny, Chief Strategy Officer
- Michael Schrezenmaier, Chief Operating Officer
Previously based in Beverly Hills, California, Spark Networks is now based in Berlin, Germany.
In 2013, the company authorized the repurchase of $5 million of its outstanding common stock as a reflection of confidence in the long-term business.
References
External links
- Official website
Source of article : Wikipedia
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