Bumble to Go Private Following $1.3 Billion Acquisition Dea

The dating platform will become privately held under the proposed acquisition, maintaining offices in London, Austin and New York City, with Austin expected to remain its headquarters.

Bumble is set to become a privately held company following a $1.3 billion acquisition agreement with Ithaca Holdings. Once the transaction is completed, Ithaca Co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will take over as Co-CEOs of Bumble, working closely with the dating platform’s founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, to advance its mission of helping people build meaningful relationships.

The deal follows a comprehensive review conducted by an independent Special Committee of Bumble’s Board of Directors. Supported by independent legal and financial advisers, the committee evaluated several strategic alternatives before concluding that Ithaca’s proposal was in the best interests of Bumble’s common shareholders.

Following the committee’s recommendation, Bumble’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction. Wolfe Herd recused herself from the board’s discussions and voting on the deal.

Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd expressed gratitude to the company’s employees for their contributions to its growth and development. She said Ithaca shared Bumble’s vision, supported its women-first approach and was committed to investing in the platform’s future.

Wolfe Herd also confirmed that she would remain actively involved with the company, highlighting her continued confidence in its long-term potential. She looks forward to working with Gupta, Hegeman and the Bumble team to develop new offerings, strengthen meaningful connections and guide the business into its next phase.

Ithaca Holdings Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman said the investment reflects their belief in the importance of human connection and relationships. They emphasised that people will continue to seek companionship, love and family, expressing enthusiasm about extending Bumble’s legacy to a new generation of users.

The executives also highlighted Bumble’s trusted brand and loyal community as key strengths. As technology and dating behaviours continue to evolve, they see opportunities to build on the foundation established by Wolfe Herd and the company's team while maintaining its core principles.

Following the completion of the transaction, Bumble will operate as a privately held business with offices in London, Austin and New York City. Austin is expected to remain the company’s base of operations.

Correct Ithaca spelling throughoutClarify the deal remains proposed