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Justin McLeod, the CEO of Hinge, is a young entrepreneur who made waves by paying students with KitKats to sign up for his dating app that has now turned into a $400 million firm. When McLeod first launched Hinge in 2011, he faced challenges convincing his peers to try out his app in a time when desktop-based internet dating was the norm. However, his innovative approach of using chocolate as an incentive paid off, helping him gain initial traction for his app.
McLeod’s journey to creating Hinge was not an easy one. He had to beg, borrow, and network extensively to get his idea off the ground. Despite receiving a lucrative job offer from McKinsey, a prestigious consulting firm, McLeod decided to turn it down in favor of pursuing his passion project, Hinge. This decision ultimately paid off when Match Group acquired Hinge in 2015, leading to significant financial success for McLeod.
As a successful entrepreneur in today’s digital age, McLeod has valuable advice for Gen Z graduates looking to follow in his footsteps. He emphasizes the importance of being both idealistic and realistic in order to create something truly impactful. McLeod believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should think big while also paying attention to the practicalities of day-to-day operations to bring their visions to life.
For new graduates unsure of their career paths, McLeod encourages them to take action rather than getting caught up in overthinking. He believes that by starting to work on new projects or entering the workforce, young people can gain valuable experiences and insights that will help them discover their passions. McLeod himself experimented with multiple business ideas before launching Hinge, each one bringing him closer to his ultimate goal.
With the rise of entrepreneurship among Gen Z graduates, McLeod’s story serves as an inspiration and a roadmap for young people looking to make their mark in the world. By following his advice to combine idealism with practicality and to take action to explore their interests, aspiring entrepreneurs can pave the way for their own success. Justin McLeod’s journey from a college student paying classmates in KitKats to the CEO of a multi-million dollar company is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and innovation in the world of business.
