Dating app Bumble is putting networking ahead of romance

The popular app is looking to launch a special feature called BumbleBuzz that will aim to match those looking to connect in a professional capacity, a la LinkedIn. You’ll be allowed to create a profile for those encounters alone, which will be kept completely separate from your dating profile, which will offer information such as the type of industry you’re in, your education level and other tidbits that can be used to help find you a match.

A special algorithm will be utilized for these purposes, which will not include gender. This means there may often be same-sex matches in addition to those of the opposite sex. Keeping true to Bumble’s origins, however, women are expected to initiate a conversation after a match is made even in this professional mode.

It’s an interesting premise to be sure, but how well does it work in practice? You’ll have to give it a try and see.