David Brown

The new version of the app is built around AI, the very same kind of AI that drew derisive laughter when Wolf Heard first talked about it two years earlier.

But the world has changed quickly.

AI tools are now part of everyday life for many of us, from writing emails and making spreadsheets to helping us figure out what to cook for dinner.

Amazing how much the narratives flipped, eh?

The idea of AI assistance didn't fundamentally change, but the adoption of the concept sure has.

I'm reminded of the Newton.

Ever heard of that?

It was supposed to be Apple's digital assistant, only it came out a little more than a decade before we were all running around with smartphones to help us get stuff done.

Back when Newton was introduced, people were laughing then, too.

Now?

Seems almost visionary.

This speaks to an uncomfortable truth about innovation.

Being early and being wrong can look the same in real time.

Sometimes the difference is whether you survive long enough and stay positioned well enough for the rest of the world to catch up.

Now, Bumble plans to use this same AI technology to transform dating.

The redesigned AI-driven app will help daters, Wolfherd says, but it will also include features that enable the kind of in-person group meetups that are popular with Gen Z. On the earnings call, Wolfherd emphasizes that all of these new offerings revolved around one key principle.

You guessed it.

Women first.

Even though Bumble's turbulent 2024 severely dented that trust, investors appear willing to buy into Wolfherd's new vision for Bumble's future.

The next morning, shares jumped 50% with news of the company's improved fourth quarter revenue and overhaul plans.