Kutumb Launches Polo: A New Dimension in Gay Dating
Bengaluru’s community platform Kutumb has ventured into the online dating arena with the introduction of Polo, a specialised dating app for the gay community, now available on the Google Play Store. According to its listing, Polo features selfie-based profile verification, intelligent matchmaking, instant messaging, and options for both audio and video calls. Users can also create private photo albums and employ interest-based filters, such as age and location. The company has yet to make an official announcement about the app’s launch.
Polo’s release aligns with Kutumb’s strategy to diversify its consumer internet offerings beyond its primary community-focused social networking platform. Besides Polo, Kutumb runs various consumer applications across multiple categories, including astrology, lifestyle, social networking, and utility tools. Noteworthy applications include Tarot99, Astro99, Digi God, Piku AI, Zuno, Zumo, and Digital Baby.
In June 2021, Kutumb secured $26 million in a Series A funding round led by Tiger Global, with backing from Quiet Capital, Rocketship VC, Nirman Investments, AngelList Syndicate, and several angel investors. For FY25, Kutumb’s operational revenue surged by 173% year-on-year, reaching Rs 128.6 crore, compared to Rs 47.2 crore in FY24. The company reported a net profit of Rs 12 crore during the fiscal year, a turnaround from a loss of Rs 3 crore in FY24.
Current insights indicate that Polo generates approximately Rs 5 crore in monthly revenue. Inquiries sent to Kutumb did not receive an immediate reply. Polo enters the Indian LGBTQ+ dating market, which already accommodates platforms like Grindr, ROMEO, u2nite, HiMoon, and RainbowLuv. While this market segment is smaller than mainstream dating apps, it is experiencing steady growth, particularly in urban regions. User safety, privacy, profile verification, and moderation are critical aspects, as issues surrounding fake accounts, harassment, and data security can significantly impact user trust and retention.