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Hello Group Expands Global Dating Ambitions with Inner Circle Acquisition
The acquisition brings Inner Circle's established European presence and growing Latin American reach into Hello Group's expanding international portfolio.
SINGAPORE & AMSTERDAM, 2 NOVEMBER 2026 – Hello Group, a global social technology company with a portfolio of social and dating platforms, has acquired a majority stake in Inner Circle, the Dutch-founded dating app known for its selective membership model and focus on meaningful, real-world connections.
The acquisition marks another step in Hello Group's international growth, bringing an established dating community into its portfolio and expanding its reach across Europe and Latin America.
A Distinctive Approach to Modern Dating
Founded in Amsterdam in 2012, Inner Circle has grown into a global dating community of nearly 9 million members.
Rather than focusing on endless swiping, the app takes a more curated approach to dating, reviewing membership applications and bringing together singles with shared interests and lifestyles.
Inner Circle also goes beyond the app, hosting member events and social experiences that give people more opportunities to meet and connect in real life.
Supporting International Growth
As dating continues to evolve, Hello Group is expanding its portfolio to cater to different preferences and ways of connecting.
With Inner Circle joining the group, Hello Group will draw on its technology, product and operational expertise to support the app's next phase of growth, while building on its established international community and distinctive approach to dating.
Inner Circle will continue to operate from Amsterdam, maintaining its brand identity and serving its member community. Member data will remain governed by EU data protection law (GDPR).
Tang Yan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Hello Group, said:
"We believe the next phase of growth in online dating will be driven by platforms that understand their communities deeply and offer a clear, differentiated experience. Inner Circle's founders recognised this early and have built a strong brand around a distinctive approach to connecting people. We see considerable potential to build on that foundation, combining Inner Circle's brand strength with Hello Group's technology, operational expertise and experience in scaling social platforms to accelerate its growth internationally."
David Vermeulen, CEO and co-founder of Inner Circle, said:
"When we started Inner Circle, we wanted to challenge the idea that online dating had to be about endless swiping. We believed there was a better way to bring people together, one that puts more thought into who you meet and creates opportunities for connections beyond the screen. That belief continues to guide us today. Becoming part of Hello Group marks an exciting new chapter, allowing us to bring our vision of dating to more people and more cities around the world."
About Hello Group
Hello Group Inc. (NASDAQ: MOMO) is a global social technology company that connects millions of users through a portfolio of social networking and dating platforms, including Momo, tantan, Soulchill, happn, and Coffee Meets Bagel Worldwide.
Through continuous innovation, technology, and responsible platform development, Hello Group is committed to creating trusted digital experiences that help people build meaningful connections.
About Inner Circle
Inner Circle is a dating app that starts with what people have in common and then gets them from match to date sooner, so their time goes to people worth dating.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2012, it screens every member, matches people on shared lifestyle and values, and connects them through interest-based Circles and real-life events. Inner Circle has nearly 9 million members across Latin America and Europe.
Media Contact
Nicole Chan
Brand & Communications Manager, Hello Group
nicole.chan@hellogroup.com