Simkhai is listing the home for just under $15 million.

Cristian Cruzio

Joel Simkhai, the founder and former CEO of LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr, recently listed his modern West Hollywood home for $15 million. He purchased the Los Angeles home in 2020 for nearly $13 million, records show. Simkhai founded Grindr in 2009, one of the first LGBTQ+ location-based dating apps that continues to operate around the world. He’s a longtime L.A. resident.

Perched within the Hollywood Hills on Sunset View Drive, the 8,771-square-foot home, which was built in 2017 sits on just under half an acre and has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The property was designed by award-winning architect Tim Campbell. Simkhai purchased the property as an investment, initially drawn to the blend of mid-century modern architecture and contemporary design.

"I was looking for a home and toured close to 30 properties, none of them came close," Simkhai said. “Then I walked into this one and knew immediately. I'd never seen architecture this special paired with a view like this, and this close to Sunset. A house this rare, in this location, simply doesn't come up, so I bought it. I knew the moment I stepped inside there was nothing else like it.”

A charming stone walkway flanked with lush landscaping guides you towards the formal entryway. The open-plan interiors of the home directly to the backyard through floor-to-ceiling pocket doors that slide to reveal an infinity-edge pool on two sides and a resort-style terrace. Inside, there are design nods to mid-century modern architecture, from grand terrazzo floors to antique brass accents to warm walnut millwork. The two-story property has a spacious chef’s kitchen with marble countertops, Gaggenau appliances, double islands, and a butler's pantry, ideal for entertaining or catering. Off the kitchen is a living room that opens towardst he pool and a dining area.

Meanwhile, the primary suite is like its own retreat with a large sitting area, dual bathrooms, dual walk-in closets, and a private outdoor patio. The additional en-suite bedrooms are filtered throughout the multi-story home with large windows overlooking the property. Amenities include a full-service entertainment level, accessed via a private elevator or the art-like sculptural staircase, with a theater, bar, sauna, gym, and a wine cellar. From every position on the property, there are unobstructed views of Hollywood, Malibu, Downtown, over the Pacific, and even to Catalina on clear days. The property is also next to billionaire Powerball winner Edwin Castro, who has 24-hour security.

"I bought it as an investment, as the architecture, the view, and the location were too rare to pass up," he said. “I was based elsewhere and never made it my home, and now feel it's time for someone else to make it their own.”

This isn't the first time one of his property made headlines. One of Simkhai's former homes in the Hollywood Hills sold to Dave Keuning, lead guitarist of The Killers, who then sold that home to Brad Pitt. The property is listed with Josh Altman and Matt Altman of the Altman Brothers Team at Douglas Elliman.