George Arison

George Arison is a distinguished entrepreneur and the CEO and Board Member of Grindr, where he leads one of the world’s most iconic social networking platforms. Known for his forward-thinking leadership and ability to turn bold ideas into reality, Arison took Grindr public in 2022 following a successful merger with Tiga Acquisition Corp.

A lifelong company builder, Arison previously founded Shift, an innovative e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, which he took public in 2020. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Taxi Magic (now Curb), a pioneering service in on-demand transportation, and Pulsar AI, a conversational AI platform for the auto industry that was later acquired by Impe. Arison’s vision has led him to launch and grow businesses that redefine traditional industries, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. His achievements earned him recognition on Goldman Sachs’ list of 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs twice.

Originally from the Republic of Georgia during the Soviet era, Arison moved to the United States at age 14 to pursue his education, later studying political philosophy at Middlebury College. His background has fueled both his entrepreneurial drive and a deep interest in political and economic policy. Beyond his business ventures, he has contributed to the democratic transition of his homeland, running a political campaign and authoring a book on Georgia’s path to democracy.

Arison also actively invests in and mentors early-stage startups, with portfolio companies including Shipper, Carrot Fertility, AutoLeap, and Fathom, where he shares his expertise in marketplace innovation and strategic growth. He lives in Palo Alto with his husband and children, balancing his professional pursuits with a commitment to family, advocacy, and mentoring the next generation of founders.