India, July 15 -- Justin McLeod, who stepped down as Hinge's CEO in December 2025, has raised $18 million to launch Overtone, a new AI-driven matchmaking service he insists is fundamentally different from the swipe-based apps that made his name.

The funding round includes backing from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital, and, notably, Hinge parent Match Group, which also owns Tinder and OkCupid, news portal TechCrunch reported on Tuesday, citing Mcleod's blog.

Relationship expert Esther Perel has joined Overtone's board alongside Match CEO Spencer Rascoff and leadership advisor Diana Chapman, according to the announcement.

McLeod has been explicit about distancing Overtone from the category he helped build.

"Overtone is not a dating app,"...