Our History: Being the Internet

From launching the world’s first online dating site to pioneering foundational web technologies, FriendFinder Networks has helped shape online connection since the earliest days of the commercial internet.

1993–1995

Foundations of the Early Internet

FriendFinder’s origins begin in 1993 when Stanford PhD student Andrew Conru founded Internet Media Services— one of the first businesses dedicated entirely to the emerging web. At a time when most people had never seen a website, he developed prototypes that would later become foundational parts of the consumer internet.

In 1994, he created one of the first e-commerce shopping cart systems and launched WebPersonals.com, the world’s first online dating site. He also developed early clickable web maps with location pins, prototype restaurant review sites, and one of the first web-based ad-server and affiliate marketing models. WebPersonals introduced photos, searchable profiles, and messaging—establishing the earliest blueprint for online dating years before the wider market began.

1996–2007

The FriendFinder Era

After selling WebPersonals, Andrew launched FriendFinder.com as a general-interest community site. As members shaped the platform’s direction, the company expanded rapidly, launching AdultFriendFinder.com and a broad network of specialized community platforms.

Through this period, FriendFinder became one of the most innovative companies on the early consumer internet. It launched the first dating affiliate program, expanded early live-video capability through the Cams.com merger, implemented advanced privacy controls and matching systems, and scaled a network of interactive communities worldwide. Operating without venture capital, FriendFinder grew into one of the world’s largest online social ecosystems, connecting tens of millions of members worldwide.

2007–2013

Ownership Changes

In 2007, the company was acquired by investors planning to take it public. Following the 2008 market disruption, FriendFinder underwent several restructurings. The platform continued to serve a large global audience, but major new product development slowed as ownership focused on financial consolidation. In 2013, the company completed a Chapter 11 reorganization to address legacy obligations and simplify its structure.

2014

Transition Leadership

Following restructuring, Andrew returned briefly as interim CEO to stabilize operations, improve platform design, and support the organization during a leadership transition. Two short-term CEOs followed as the company prepared for longer-term executive direction.

2015–Mid 2024

Stabilization, Modernization & Debt Reform

As the dating industry shifted toward mobile-first platforms, FriendFinder focused on maintaining reliable services while managing the high-interest debt inherited from previous ownership.

In late 2015, Jon Buckheit stepped into the CEO role. A long-term friend of Andrew's, also with a PhD (in statistics), Jon had similarly sold his tech startup and was looking for a bigger adventure. His steady leadership would be tested in 2016 when hackers breached the site. Jon handled it with remarkable skill, leading a controlled response that minimized exposure and protected users. During his tenure, Jon kept the platform stable and the core team together within difficult debt constraints.

In 2021, the company initiated a major financial reset. Andrew bought control of the company’s debt and reduced the interest rate from 14% to 7%, substantially lowering annual debt burden. This freed capital and enabled long-delayed modernization efforts across systems, platforms, and user experience.

By mid-2024, major overhaul work was underway across UI, UX, backend infrastructure, and platform architecture.

July 2024–Present

New Leadership & The Next Era

In July 2024, Andrew re-established majority ownership to guide the company into its next phase. In August 2024, he appointed Brock Purpura—one of FriendFinder’s original growth-era leaders—as CEO to lead ongoing modernization and long-term strategy execution.

FriendFinder Networks now enters its fourth decade with a renewed foundation, improved financial structure, and a mission to continue building technology centered on authentic online connection.