# Justin McLeod

> Justin McLeod founded Hinge in 2011 and led its 2016 rebuild around helping users form relationships. He stepped down as CEO in December 2025 to found Overtone, a voice- and audio-led matchmaking company using AI, which announced $18 million in funding in July 2026. His reunion with his college sweetheart Kate inspired a Modern Love story and television adaptation.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Overtone
- **Organizations:** Overtone, Hinge
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts, Colgate University, Master of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
- **Known for:** Founded Hinge and led its 2016 relationship-focused rebuild., Led Hinge through its acquisition by Match Group, beginning with majority ownership in 2018 and full ownership in 2019., Founded Overtone, which announced $18 million in funding from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital and Match Group in July 2026.

## Career timeline

- **2006-2009** — Worked in management consulting before Harvard Business School.
- **2011** — Founded Hinge in February while attending Harvard Business School.
- **2013** — Launched Hinge's mobile app in February in Washington, D.C.
- **2016** — Relaunched Hinge with a renewed focus on relationships, detailed profiles and conversation.
- **2018** — Match Group acquired a majority stake in Hinge.
- **2019** — Match Group completed full ownership of Hinge.
- **2025** — Stepped down as Hinge CEO on December 9 to found Overtone; Jackie Jantos became Hinge CEO.
- **2026** — Overtone announced $18 million in funding on July 14.

## Achievements

- Founded Hinge and led its 2016 relationship-focused rebuild.
- Led Hinge through its acquisition by Match Group, beginning with majority ownership in 2018 and full ownership in 2019.
- Founded Overtone, which announced $18 million in funding from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital and Match Group in July 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — On July 14, Overtone announced $18 million in funding; Esther Perel joined its board alongside Diana Chapman and Spencer Rascoff, with McLeod as chairman.
- **2026-07** — McLeod described Overtone's voice-led matchmaking approach and said the service was planned for select locations later in 2026.
- **2025-12** — Match Group announced McLeod's departure as Hinge CEO and the independent spinout of Overtone on December 9.

## Links

- Website: https://overto.ne/intro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcleod-b43156134
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpmcleod/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/justin-mcleod
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21