Joe Shapira
In short: Joe Shapira co-founded JDate in 1996 and led its parent company, Matchnet, as chairman and CEO until it became Spark Networks in 2005. He later co-founded Jfiix, a mobile dating app launched in Israel.
Key facts
| Role | Co-founder of JDate; former Chairman and CEO of Matchnet |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Spark Networks |
| LinkedIn profile |
Biography
Joe (Yoav) Shapira co-founded JDate.com in 1996 with Alon Carmel. The business was incorporated as Matchnet plc, where Shapira served as chairman and chief executive. Matchnet raised close to $50 million, including through a listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and made 12 acquisitions between 2000 and 2005. In 2005 it reverse-merged into Spark Networks, which listed on the American Stock Exchange. Shapira brought in professional management to replace him as CEO in 2005 and resigned in 2006. Before dating, he co-founded Sha-Rub Investment Co in 1981 and Matrix Video Corporation, a West Coast video cassette maker, in 1987. In 2015 he was CEO and co-founder of Jfiix, a mobile dating app for 20 to 35 year olds that launched in Israel.
Questions about Joe Shapira
Who is Joe Shapira?
Joe Shapira co-founded JDate in 1996 and led its parent company, Matchnet, as chairman and CEO until it became Spark Networks in 2005. He later co-founded Jfiix, a mobile dating app launched in Israel.
What is Joe Shapira's current role?
Joe Shapira is Co-founder of JDate; former Chairman and CEO of Matchnet at Spark Networks.