Bumble's Sting: 00-Layoffs Save the Day?

Honey I Shrunk the Workforce!

Right so Bumble that little hive of activity where lonely hearts attempt to find their 'license to kill' the single life has decided to thin its ranks. Seems they're axing about 30% of the staff – 240 souls to be precise. A rather 'shocking positively shocking' move if you ask me. They're calling it a 'reconfiguration,' but I suspect it's more about patching up holes in the financial hull. Apparently these 'not made lightly' cuts are supposed to save them a tidy $40 million a year. One can only hope they're spending some of that on better algorithms otherwise it is 'no Mr. Bond I expect you to die!' alone.

From Billions to Bumble Bees

The real kicker? Bumble's market value has taken a nosedive steeper than my Aston Martin on a Swiss Alp. From a rather robust $7.7 billion to a paltry $538 million. Ouch! That's a bigger drop than I've seen in my martini glass after a particularly close call with a SPECTRE operative. Makes you wonder if love is truly priceless or just another commodity easily swayed by the whims of the market. Clearly something had to be done.

Whitney's Back! (Again)

Now about Whitney Wolfe Herd the woman who once sat on the throne. She stepped down earlier this year but like a villain in a Bond film she's back for another act. Let's hope her return brings more than just corporate musical chairs. Perhaps she's learned a thing or two about surviving in a world of sharks. Or perhaps she just misses the thrill of running a dating empire. It's rather like Goldfinger being obsessed with gold isn't it?

A Forecast with Benefits

Despite the doom and gloom Bumble has updated its forecast and thinks the revenue will be between $244 million and $249 million and adjusted EBITDA between $88 million and $93 million. A sliver of hope in this desolate landscape. Maybe just maybe they'll pull this off. One can only hope it is not some 'quantum of solace' for the Bumble investors and is a start to a new dawn.

Investing in What Exactly?

Bumble promises to invest the savings into 'new product and technology development.' One hopes that does not mean adding more filters to profile pictures. Personally I'd like to see a dating app that accurately assesses a person's sense of humor and ability to handle a high speed chase. But then again maybe that's just me.

A Tinder Situation

In the end Bumble's situation is a reminder that even the most innovative ideas can face turbulence in the market. It is just like me trying to navigate London traffic. The question is can they 'live and let die' their old ways and emerge stronger? Only time will tell but one thing's for sure: it's never a dull day in the world of love money and corporate espionage. Now if you excuse me I have a martini to attend to. Shaken not stirred naturally.