Small Empires is back! Join Alexis Ohanian as we give you a never-before-seen look at the world of New York startups.

This week, we check out OkCupid, the dating site with a propensity for data research. Alexis sits with Christian Rudder about how he and the SparkNotes founders went from study guides to an online dating network — and from there, how the startup functions after being purchased by Match.com owners IAC.

Next week? A software company that's helping you make better sketches — online and off.

P.S. — Alexis just launched a book about entrepreneurship, Without Their Permission. Check it out!