GDI has officially released its highly anticipated 2026 Powerbook, recognising the individuals and companies driving innovation, leadership and transformation across the global dating ecosystem.
Now in its latest edition, the Powerbook arrives at a defining moment for the industry. After years of rapid expansion, cultural change and post-pandemic recalibration, online dating has entered a more mature and complex phase, one shaped by evolving user expectations, increased regulatory scrutiny, rising acquisition costs and growing demand for authenticity and safety.
Recognising Industry Excellence
The Powerbook highlights influential leaders from across the dating spectrum, from global app executives to niche founders and technology innovators.
Among those featured in the 2026 edition are:
- Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO & President of happn, recognised for leading the company’s “Smart Dating” transformation and its acquisition by Hello Group.
- Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group, overseeing a portfolio that includes Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid
- Vivek Sagi, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Bumble, recognised for advancing AI-driven product innovation
- Rakesh Naidu, founder of Fate, pioneering a curated, swipe-free approach to matchmaking
- Ian D’Ornellas, Founder & CEO of Curiouzz, championing intentional, AI-guided connection models
- David Minns, innovator in proprietary age and identity verification systems and operator of 16 niche communities under the Greed brand
- Barbie Adler, Founder of Selective Search, a leader in high-end matchmaking services
- Roque Arechiga, CEO of Blaber, a voice-first dating platform redefining emotional connection
- Justin Zinck, CFO of ParshipMeet Group, focused on financial discipline and sustainable growth
- Mark Brooks, CEO of Courtland Brooks and a long-standing strategic advisor to the sector
- Nicky Wade, Founder of Chapter 2 Dating, building niche platforms for widowed and sober communities
- Hari Gopal, Founder of Hearts, introducing a patented pay-per-match monetisation model
To download your free copy of the Powerbook, please fill in this Google form. Looking ahead, GDI will be publishing further Special Reports later this year. They include Women in Dating and Trust & Safety, which will be published in Q2 and Q4.
More information about the key information and deadlines will be published soon, and if you’d like to nominate yourself or a colleague for either Women in Dating or Trust & Safety, please email editorial@globaldatinginsights.com
