Thematics Insights: The ESG of the Dating Industry

Like many human activities, social interactions have changed and evolved throughout time. The act of finding a pair drastically changed driven by the rise of technology, demographic changes as well as the ever-evolving consumer behavior. Long gone are the times where the only means of meeting people had to be done physically – like many other things, the solution today is, literally, at the tip of our fingers. From the conventional offline way where, one places an ad in the local newspaper, to the start of the Internet and online dating, mate finding for humans has evolved. Today the choice is wide, and the options are numerous – stored in our phones, we can find apps that meet that purpose in different shapes, colors and tastes. Dating has become a game that many have taken part in and many will continue to do so in the future.

Highlights

  • The dating industry has now become a multi-billion-dollar business. Several first movers have early on established a strong dominance and have been successful in capturing the demand, fulfilling user needs. Many experts say the dating apps industry is just starting, with so much room to grow and opportunities to seize.
  • In today’s modern society, two main phenomenon have been feeding the dating market: the gradual increase in the number of singles coupled with an increased penetration of technology, and particularly apps.
  • Looking at the ESG ratings of listed companies in the dating industry, the most common material ESG issues that major sustainability rating agencies consider for companies within this activity are the data privacy and security, business ethics, and product governance.
  • Online dating is a double-edged sword. One thing for sure is that the industry is going in the right direction, investment in R&D has been continuously rising to ensure the best user experience. Subscription based models are the perfect motivation to constantly improve the ecosystem, to be on the listen of paying users’ needs and ultimately to be at the forefront of societal interaction and ultimately matching.

Resources

In Singapore: This document is provided by Natixis Investment Managers Singapore Limited (company registration no. 199801044D) for informational purposes only. Investment involves risk. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or deal in any securities or financial products. The content herein may contain unsolicited, general information without regard to an investor’s individual needs, objectives, risk parameters or financial condition. Therefore, please refer to the relevant offering documents for details including the risk factors and seek your own legal counsel, accountants or other professional advisors as to the financial, legal and tax issues concerning such investments if necessary, before making investment decisions in any fund mentioned in this document. Past performance information presented is not indicative of future performance. Certain information included in this document is based on information obtained from other sources considered reliable. However, Natixis Investment Managers Singapore Limited does not guarantee the accuracy of such information.

Natixis Investment Managers Singapore Limited is a business development unit of Natixis Investment Managers, the holding company of a diverse line-up of specialised investment management and distribution entities worldwide. The investment management subsidiaries of Natixis Investment Managers conduct any regulated activities only in and from the jurisdictions in which they are licensed or authorised. Their services and the products they manage are not available to all investors in all jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each investment service provider to ensure that the offering or sale of fund shares or third party investment services to its clients complies with the relevant national law.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

THEMATICS ASSET MANAGEMENT - An affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers. A French SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) with a share capital of €191 440. RCS Paris: 843 939 992. Regulated by the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers), under no GP 19000027. 20, rue des Capucines 75002 Paris, France.