Dating app Bumble launches professional networking feature in Australia

Female-driven connection platform Bumble – sometimes referred to as ‘the feminist Tinder’ – has announced the Australian launch of professional networking feature Bumble Bizz.

Bumble Bizz is a new mode within the Bumble app designed for professional networking and mentoring. It was officially launched last night at The Butler in Sydney.

Over 85 media, influencers and businesswomen gathered to hear from Bumble’s Head of Brand Alex Williamson, who told the audience Bumble hopes that Bizz will help users grow their careers by enabling person-to-person networking.

Bizz is powered by the notion that a connection or simple exchange of information can lead to the opportunity of a lifetime, and is part of Bumble’s long-term vision of becoming the major social network for connecting with people you don’t know.

“By launching Bizz, we are continuing to evolve the Bumble brand. From dating, to friendship and now business, we are ensuring our users can connect with likeminded people in all facets of their lives. Love, friendship, networking – these are all the foundations for a happy, meaningful life,” said Michelle Battersby, Bumble’s Country Lead for Australia.

Bumble used the event to reveal its new One Connection campaign, fronted by former Pacific Mags exec Jackie Frank, founder of the Elle Effect tanning range Elle Ferguson, owner of online fashion store The Connection Nadia Bartel, co-founder of online fitness program Keep It Cleaner Laura Henshaw, founder and CEO of Mon Purse Lana Hopkins and co-founder of education startup Austern International Jamie Lee.

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Australia is the fourth largest market for Bumble with the fastest growing user base globally, and over one million downloads generated to date and a 50/50 gender split. Australian downloads quadrupled in number between January 2017 and February 2018, with the majority of users aged 23-28.