Bumble acquires Geneva platform to bolster community connections and friendship features

The popular dating app Bumble has acquired Geneva, an online platform for creating real-world groups and clubs. This acquisition aligns with Bumble's shift towards promoting friendships and community connections, moving away from its traditional dating focus. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but Bumble's CEO, Lidiane Jones, has noted the company's interest in acquisitions that support its long-term mission and add value.

Founded in New York in 2019, Geneva helps users find local, like-minded individuals for various activities, such as book clubs and running groups. Bumble, which already provides a separate app for making local friends, expects Geneva's platform to improve this offering. Jones suggested on LinkedIn that Bumble plans to integrate Geneva’s technology into its own friendship product, possibly leading to the end of Geneva’s standalone operations.

Geneva will remain invite-only and continue to support existing groups during the transition, which is set to complete in the third quarter of 2024. Bumble has not yet confirmed whether Geneva will continue as a separate platform or be fully incorporated into Bumble's ecosystem post-acquisition.