Bumble considers sale after stock collapse and shrinking user base

Bumble is exploring a potential sale, according to a recent Reuters report. The dating app’s stock has plummeted by 96 percent since its initial public offering. This move comes as the company faces ongoing financial and user engagement challenges. The company’s struggles have been evident for some time. Global downloads dropped by 23 percent in 2025 and a further 15 percent in the first half of 2026. This decline is the steepest among major dating apps over the past year and a half.

Bumble’s financial performance has also weakened. Total revenue and paying users fell year over year in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Its user base has shrunk for five consecutive quarters.

In 2024, Bumble introduced the 'Opening Moves' feature, allowing men to message first. However, the company later removed it in markets like Mexico and Australia. Now, it is phasing out its signature swipe feature to test an AI-powered dating experience.

To navigate these challenges, Bumble has engaged investment bankers from Morgan Stanley to assist with a potential sale process. Meanwhile, competitors like Tinder and Hinge, owned by Match Group, have reported growth in direct revenue and paying users. Bumble’s stock decline and shrinking user base have prompted a strategic review. The company is now considering a sale while testing new features to revive its platform. A successful deal or innovation could determine its next steps in a competitive market.