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Published Jan 23, 2023

Prof G Markets: Disney’s Proxy War, Goldman’s Guidance Miss, and the Dating App Market

Scott Galloway unpacks the financial intricacies of Disney's proxy war led by Nelson Peltz, dives into Goldman Sachs' earnings struggles and consumer banking experiments, and scrutinizes the dating app market's consolidation and premium strategies, all while offering insightful critiques and personal anecdotes.
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Episode Highlights

  • Market Dynamics

    The dating app market is experiencing significant consolidation, with major players like Match Group dominating the landscape. highlights that Match Group controls 45% of the U.S. market, owning popular apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid 1. This consolidation mirrors trends seen in other industries, such as e-commerce, where a single entity, like Amazon, captures a large market share 2.

    Match Group's control of this industry is as dominant as Amazon's control of e-commerce.

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    The market's consolidation raises questions about the impact on user behavior, as the abundance of options may lead to less serious engagements and increased churn 2.

       

    User Stories

    Personal experiences with dating apps reveal a mix of successes and challenges. shares humorous anecdotes about the endless search for a perfect match, while discusses the selective nature of apps like Raya 3. Users like Claire find success by treating the app as a game, leading to meaningful connections 1.

    I started thinking about it more like an algorithm rather than just kind of a random app.

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    These stories highlight the varied experiences users face, from finding love to navigating the complexities of digital dating.

       

    Premium Strategies

    The introduction of premium subscription models in dating apps like Hinge and Tinder is reshaping the market. notes that Hinge's new tier, costing $60 per month, targets "highly motivated daters," while Tinder's premium version could reach $500 monthly 4. suggests this pricing strategy mirrors other industries, where paying more grants better visibility or placement 4.

    It's such a weird and sort of controversial business to be in because you're basically telling consumers that you're going to help them find a partner.

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    This approach raises ethical questions about the true intent of these apps, as they balance user satisfaction with business sustainability.

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