Growlr is getting a new home along with a multimillion-dollar makeover. Perry Street Software, the company behind SCRUFF and Jack’d, announced Oct. 6 that it has acquired the dating and social app for bears and their admirers from The Meet Group. The independent queer app publisher is planning a multiyear investment to not only rebuild Growlr, but to completely refresh its identity as well as to deepen its connections with the community it serves.

An all-new version of Growlr is expected in early 2027, featuring a redesigned profile page, new branding and expanded sharing capabilities in chat. Planned improvements include expanded Shouts, which allow members to message multiple people within a selected radius, and the return of Flashes, a feature that boosts a profile’s visibility nearby. Perry Street Software also has plans to rethink video content and tackle bots and spam, while inviting members to help shape the overhaul through an upcoming beta program.

The company’s ambitions extend beyond the screens and into the community. Growlr plans to expand its sponsorship of bear events and Bear Weeks in the United States and internationally heading into 2027, rebuild its social media presence and collaborate with bear influencers. A refreshed merchandise collection and the brand’s first bear-focused apparel line are planned for Spring 2027, with additional content projects in development. For Perry Street Software, the acquisition is also an opportunity to bring its community-focused approach to a platform with a devoted following.

“The bear community has always had its own distinct, vibrant culture that exists alongside, but apart from, mainstream queer culture,” said Perry Street Software co-founder John Skandros. “Growlr embraces a broader range of body types and ages, and offers a kind of appreciation and validation bears don’t find on other apps. We want members to be proud to represent themselves and their community when they show off the app and wear Growlr gear.”