Exclusive: Tiger Global-Backed Kutumb Enters Gay Dating Space with Polo

Why It Matters

Polo taps a growing, underserved segment of India’s dating ecosystem, giving Kutumb a new high‑margin revenue stream and strengthening its position in niche social apps.

Key Takeaways

• Kutumb launches Polo, targeting India's gay dating market.
• Polo generates ~Rs 5 crore monthly revenue.
• Revenue rose 173% YoY to Rs 128.6 crore FY25.
• Features include selfie verification, smart matchmaking, video calls.
• Competes with Grindr, ROMEO, HiMoon in niche segment.

Pulse Analysis

India’s LGBTQ+ dating space, though smaller than mainstream apps, is gaining traction in urban centers where privacy and safety are paramount. Polo’s rollout leverages advanced verification and AI‑driven matchmaking to address chronic concerns about fake profiles and harassment, positioning the app as a trustworthy alternative to incumbents like Grindr and ROMEO. By integrating audio‑video calling and private albums, Polo not only enhances user engagement but also aligns with broader trends toward richer, more immersive mobile experiences.

Financially, Kutumb’s aggressive diversification is paying off. The company’s FY25 revenue surged 173% year‑on‑year, driven by a mix of astrology, lifestyle, and utility apps, while turning a Rs 12 crore profit after a loss the previous year. Polo’s reported Rs 5 crore monthly run‑rate contributes a meaningful slice of that growth, illustrating how niche verticals can boost top‑line performance. Backed by Tiger Global’s $26 million Series A, Kutumb now has the capital to scale product development, marketing, and compliance initiatives essential for sustaining momentum in a sensitive market.

Competitive dynamics remain intense, with established players such as Grindr, ROMEO, HiMoon and emerging local services vying for user attention. Success will hinge on Polo’s ability to maintain rigorous moderation, protect data, and cultivate community trust amid India’s evolving regulatory landscape on LGBTQ+ rights. If Kutumb can leverage its existing user base and cross‑sell services, Polo could become a cornerstone of a broader ecosystem of specialized social platforms, driving both user stickiness and incremental monetisation opportunities.

Exclusive: Tiger Global-backed Kutumb enters gay dating space with Polo

As per its Play Store listing, Polo offers features such as selfie‑based profile verification, smart matchmaking, instant messaging, and audio and video calling. · Harsh Upadhyay · 16 Feb 2026 13:51 IST

Bengaluru‑based community platform Kutumb has expanded into the online dating space with the rollout of Polo, a dedicated gay dating application that is currently available on the Google Play Store.

As per its Play Store listing, Polo offers features such as selfie‑based profile verification, smart matchmaking, instant messaging, and audio and video calling. It also enables users to create private photo albums and use interest‑based filters, including age and location.

The company has not made a formal announcement regarding the launch.

The availability of Polo comes as Kutumb continues to build consumer‑internet products beyond its core community‑first social networking platform. Besides Polo, Kutumb operates several consumer applications across categories such as astrology, lifestyle, social, and utilities. These include Tarot99, Astro99, Digi God, Piku AI, Zuno, Zumo, and Digital Baby.

In June 2021, Kutumb raised $26 million in a Series A funding round led by Tiger Global, with participation from Quiet Capital, Rocketship VC, Nirman Investments, AngelList Syndicate, and angel investors.

For FY25, Kutumb’s revenue from operations increased 173 % year‑on‑year to Rs 128.6 crore from Rs 47.2 crore in FY24. The firm reported a net profit of Rs 12 crore during the fiscal, compared to a loss of Rs 3 crore in FY24.

As per sources, Polo is currently generating around Rs 5 crore in monthly revenue. Queries sent to Kutumb didn’t elicit any immediate response.

Polo enters India’s LGBTQ+ dating market, where platforms such as Grindr, ROMEO, u2nite, HiMoon, and RainbowLuv are already active. The segment is smaller than mainstream dating apps but is growing steadily, mainly in urban areas. User safety, privacy, profile verification, and moderation are important, as concerns around fake accounts, harassment, and data security can directly affect user trust and retention.

Tag: kutumb

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