In the ever-shifting world of gay dating apps, it feels like another big consolidation is underway. Perry Street Software, the queer-owned company that already runs Scruff and Jack'd, has just welcomed a new app into its family: Growlr, the go-to platform for bears, cubs, otters, and their admirers since 2010.
So, what does this mean for the nearly half a million guys who use Growlr daily? Well, it’s not just a simple change of ownership. Perry Street is putting millions of dollars into a complete top-to-bottom overhaul, aiming to relaunch a brand-new version of the app by early 2027.
The Glow-Up: What to Expect Inside the App
Let's get into the details. The plan is to rebuild Growlr from the ground up, both technically and visually. If you've ever felt the app was a bit clunky or dated, this could be the refresh you've been waiting for.
Here’s a look at what’s on the roadmap:
- A Fresh Coat of Paint: Expect a completely new design, a new logo, and redesigned profiles that are hopefully more intuitive and modern.
- Better Tech & Less Spam: A major focus will be on improving the app's performance and taking stronger action against the bots and spam accounts that plague every dating platform.
- The Return of Old Favourites: Two classic Growlr features are getting a boost. "Shouts" will let you broadcast a message to multiple users in your area, while "Flashes" will return as a way to get your profile more attention.
- More Ways to Connect: The developers are also expanding chat sharing options and overhauling the app's video features.
For those eager to get a sneak peek, a beta program for the new app should be opening up in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for that.
More Than Just an App
Perry Street’s vision for Growlr extends beyond the phone screen. The company wants to embed the Growlr brand more deeply within the international bear community. This means more support and sponsorship for bear events and pride weeks, both in the US and hopefully closer to home here in Europe. Could we see a bigger Growlr presence at events like Amsterdam Bear Weekend? We’ll have to wait and see.
The strategy also includes a bigger social media push, with collaborations with bear-community influencers and original content created for the platform. And in a slightly surprising move, they're even planning an in-house clothing collection for spring 2027, developed with fashion designers.
A Growing Portfolio
This acquisition solidifies Perry Street Software's position as a major player in the queer dating app market, standing as a privately-owned alternative to the publicly-traded Grindr. Founded in 2010 by Eric Silverberg and Johnny Skandros around their flagship app Scruff, the company also acquired Jack'd back in 2019. By bringing Growlr into the fold, they now cater to an even wider slice of the gay and bi male community, all under one queer-led roof.
