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Spark Networks

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Spark Networks, Inc. (AMEX: LOV) owns and operates more than 30 niche-focused online properties. This includes more than 20 special-interest online personals sites, such as ChristianMingle.com and JDate.com, along with apps like CROSSPATHS.[1]

Websites

Most of Spark Networks’ websites are considered special-interest online personals sites. Former CEO Adam Berger has referred to these services as "niche" dating.[2] Exceptions include DailyBibleVerse.com, Faith.com and ChristianCards.net, which cater to other Christian interests, and Spark.com, a general-interest online personals site. Today, ChristianMingle and JDate are Spark Networks' most popular dating sites.

ChristianMingle

Initially launched in 2001, ChristianMingle.com is the largest and fastest growing online community of Christian singles. The site serves singles who are looking to date and marry within the Christian faith. Today, ChristianMingle has more than 9 million registered members.[3]

In addition to bringing together Christian singles, this site also fosters an online community where members can share their faith and values in a like-minded environment. The site partners with other Spark Networks properties, including DailyBibleVerse.com, to enhance the faith-based offerings for the online community. ChristianMingle's Statement of Faith is as follows: "The basis for our faith is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of the world and God’s written Word, the Bible. We believe that embracing what God said allows us to live in freedom, joy and purpose.”[3]

The plot of the film Christian Mingle, features the website.

JDate

Launched in 1997, JDate.com is a niche dating site that caters to Jewish singles. It has more than 750,000 members worldwide.[4] In addition to the U.S. site, there are also JDate websites with unique domain names for Israel, the United Kingdom and France (JDate.co.il, JDate.co.uk and JDate.fr).

ResearchNow, an independent research company, found that JDate is responsible for 52 percent of Jewish marriages that started online. This makes JDate responsible for more Jewish marriages than all other online dating sites combined.[4]

Other Websites

In addition to ChristianMingle and JDate, the following properties are included in Spark Networks’ portfolio:[5]

History

The company was founded by Joe Y. Shapira in 1997 under the name MatchNet plc.[6]

JDate.com, founded in 1997, was the company's first venture into online dating. The other key web property, ChristianMingle.com, was introduced in 2004.[7]

In January 2005, the company changed its name to Spark Networks because management felt that the new name more sharply distinguished the company in the marketplace.[8]

On November 10, 2014, JDate launched a dating app designed for Jewish singles.[9]

On October 14, 2015, Spark Networks announced the acquisition of Smooch Labs, owner of the popular millennial Jewish dating app JSwipe.[10] Spark Networks launched CROSSPATHS, a dating app that helps like-minded Christians find matches, on October 8, 2015.[11]

Redesigns of the JDate and ChristianMingle websites were announced in 2015. In addition to revamped branding, the site makeovers featured technology changes (including expanded mobile capabilities), a re-designed inbox and a new “daily matches” feature. JDate’s redesign went live on November 18, 2015, while ChristianMingle’s went live on December 17, 2015.[12][13]

Operations

David Siminoff formerly served as Chief Executive Officer of the company. The current Spark Networks leadership team consists of:

  • Michael Egan, CEO (since January 2, 2015)[14]
  • Robert W. O’Hare, CFO (since March 1, 2015)[15]
  • John R. Volturo, CMO (since May 1, 2015)[16]
  • Shailen Mistry, CTO (since January 4, 2016)[17]

Previously based in Beverly Hills, California, Spark Networks is now based in Los Angeles, California with additional offices in Lehi, Utah and Hertzelia Pituach, Israel.[18]

In 2013, the company authorized the repurchase of $5 million of its outstanding common stock as a reflection of confidence in the long-term business.[19]

References

  1. ^ "Spark Networks – A Leading Provider of Iconic, Niche-Focused Brands". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  2. ^ "'Niche' Singles Sites Claim Success". ABC News. 2013-03-01. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  3. ^ a b "ChristianMingle.com – The Leading Christian Singles Network!". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-03.
  4. ^ a b "JDate.com – The Leading Jewish Singles Network! Explore the Possibilities". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-03.
  5. ^ "Spark Networks – Home to Some of the World's Most Iconic Niche-Focused Brands". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  6. ^ Dealbook. "Parent of Dating Sites Looks for a Match". DealBook. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  7. ^ Hill, Logan. "At ChristianMingle and JDate, God's Your Wingman". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
  8. ^ "MatchNet plc Changes Its Name to Spark Networks plc". Online Personals Watch: News on the Dating Industry and Business. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  9. ^ "JDate Launches New App, Making It Easier Than Ever to "Get Chosen" - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  10. ^ "Spark Networks Acquires Smooch Labs, Owner of the JSwipe Mobile Application - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  11. ^ "Faith and Love Meet on New Dating App for Single Christians - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  12. ^ "From Spark to Fireworks: Online Dating Brands JDate and ChristianMingle Get Makeovers - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  13. ^ "Meaningful Matches Are Ready to Be Made on the All-New ChristianMingle - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  14. ^ "Spark Networks® Appoints Michael S. Egan as CEO and Lee K. Barba to the Board Of Directors - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  15. ^ "Spark Networks® Appoints Robert O'Hare as CFO - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  16. ^ "Spark Networks® Appoints John Volturo as Chief Marketing Officer - Spark Networks". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  17. ^ "Spark Networks : Investor Relations - Press Release". investor.spark.net. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  18. ^ "Spark Networks – Contact Us". Spark Networks. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
  19. ^ "Spark Networks, Inc. Announces $5 Million Stock Repurchase Program". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 2016-03-02.
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