DWC 100 Women: Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble Dating App

Whitney Wolfe Herd is a name that’s become synonymous with innovation, empowerment, and redefining the rules of the dating world. As the founder and CEO of Bumble, Whitney didn’t just create another app—she sparked a movement, putting women’s experiences and safety at the heart of online dating. But her rise to being one of tech’s most influential leaders hasn’t been a smooth ride; it’s a story filled with challenges, resilience, and bold moves.

Whitney’s drive for change began long before Bumble came to life. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, she had a natural knack for activism and social justice. During her college years at Southern Methodist University, her activism truly took off. She was deeply affected by the 2010 BP oil spill and turned her concerns into action. Whitney launched a bamboo tote bag business to raise funds for affected communities, and the project took off. Celebrities like Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie were spotted with her eco-friendly bags, creating a wave of awareness and support for the cause.

Fast forward to 2012, Whitney stepped into the tech world as a co-founder of Tinder, where her marketing expertise helped the app soar to fame. However, her time there wasn’t without hardship. In 2014, Whitney made headlines for filing a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against Tinder. While the case was settled, the experience left her disheartened. Reflecting on this period, she later said, “I had hit rock bottom, but it was also the start of building something new.”

And that something new was Bumble, which she launched later that year. Bumble turned the traditional dating app model on its head by putting women in control—literally. On Bumble, women make the first move, setting the tone for more respectful and empowering interactions. The idea was bold and met with scepticism. Industry insiders questioned whether a woman-centric app could succeed. Whitney’s response? “If you want to see a change in the world, you’ve got to make it yourself.”

Bumble wasn’t just about dating—it was about creating safer online spaces. The app introduced features like photo verification, private detection for unsolicited images, and a block-and-report system designed to prioritize user safety. In Whitney’s words, “Safety isn’t a feature; it’s the foundation.”

Despite facing cyberbullying, threats, and criticism, Whitney didn’t back down. Her determination paid off. Bumble quickly grew into more than just a dating app, introducing Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz to help people find friends and professional networks. By 2021, Bumble went public, and Whitney became the youngest woman to take a company public at just 31 years old—a milestone she called “a win for every woman fighting to be heard in a male-dominated space.”

Whitney’s impact goes far beyond Bumble. She’s a fierce advocate for gender equality, mental health, and corporate responsibility. Under her leadership, Bumble has partnered with organizations to support survivors of sexual assault, championed equal pay policies, and worked to ensure online safety for all users. Her advocacy earned her a spot on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list and cemented her as a trailblazer.

But perhaps her greatest achievement is the cultural shift she’s led. Whitney has redefined what it means to lead with empathy and resilience in the tech world. She’s shown that success isn’t just about profits but about leaving a legacy that makes the world a little better. As she once said, “We need to stop applauding the hustle for the sake of hustle and start applauding building for the sake of humanity.”

Whether through her groundbreaking work at Bumble or her broader advocacy, Whitney Wolfe Herd reminds us all that empowered women empower the world.