# Revolutionizing Romance: Hinge Founder Launches $18M AI Dating Service Overtone

_Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT · Capital · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

Justin McLeod, the founder of Hinge, has launched a new AI dating service called Overtone with $18 million in pre-seed financing led by Match Group. McLeod announced his departure as CEO of Hinge to focus on the venture, which emphasizes voice and audio interactions over traditional swiping to foster deeper connections. The funding round is scheduled to be finalized in early 2026, and Overtone will operate as an independent organization while maintaining a strategic partnership with Match Group.

## Sources

- [AndroGuider](https://www.androguider.com/2026/07/revolutionizing-romance-hinge-founder.html)

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Retrieved: 2026-07-22T00:41:27.074Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)