JDate

History

JDate was founded in 1997. After the launch, membership grew rapidly by word of mouth in tight-knit Jewish communities. Because of the focus on relationships between Jewish singles, JDate is considered a special-interest online dating site. Former CEO Adam Berger calls this type of service "niche" dating.

The site won a 2006 Webby award for social networking. On November 10, 2014, JDate launched a dating app designed for Jewish singles.

Members

Individuals do not have to be Jewish in order to join JDate. Members can mark their Jewish affiliation on their profile or select options like “Willing to Convert,” “Not Sure if Willing to Convert,” and “Not Willing to Convert.” While JDate is oriented towards the Jewish population, it has also attracted those seeking Jewish mates. The reasons cited often have to do with perceived cultural traits, whether stereotypical or true: "nice" or wealthy Jewish men who treat women well; take-charge, and independent Jewish women who hold on to tradition. While many JDate members respond in kind, others view the phenomenon as an intrusion that defeats the purpose of the site.

JDate members have the option to seek heterosexual and/or homosexual relationships on the site. Profiles include options like "men seeking men" and "women seeking women" to help users connect with their desired matches.

Famous past/present JDate users include:

JLife

JDate's blog, JLife, focuses on dating advice, Jewish traditions and pop culture. Success stories from couples who met on JDate are also published on JLife. Both members and non-members can access the site.

Operations

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.

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.