How This Startup Wants to Help Working Professionals Find Love
South African startup Boardroom is offering a unique solution for working professionals looking for long-term romantic partners. In a world where professional commitments and shrinking social circles often hinder personal relationships, this platform aims to bridge the gap.
Addressing a Growing Need
Online dating platforms have become synonymous with hookup culture, leaving little room for individuals seeking meaningful relationships. Boardroom was created to cater to this underserved market. Co-founded by software developer Wisani Shilumani and entrepreneur Serisha Barrat in June 2023, the platform provides a space for professionals to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar career aspirations and life goals.
According to Barrat, “We don’t just want aimless dates or ghosting culture but rather to enable our users to find a long-term partner they can share their life with.”
How the App Works
The app, available on Android and iOS, integrates LinkedIn for user verification. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Identity Verification: Users must verify their identity using their LinkedIn profiles.
2. Invite-Only Access: After downloading the app, users apply for access and undergo an additional vetting process.
3. Profile Completion: Approved users create detailed profiles, including hobbies and multiple photos.
4. Matching and Engagement: Matches are based on shared professional interests. Each match request requires a personalized message, and users must respond within 24 hours to initiate a conversation.
5. Safety Features: AI technology detects and flags inappropriate language, ensuring a respectful and harassment-free community.
This meticulous process aims to maintain the platform’s exclusivity and attract high-caliber professionals.
Challenges and Future Plans
Barrat highlights user verification as one of the platform’s main challenges. With the app’s growing popularity, streamlining the vetting process has become a priority. Proposed updates include enhanced identity checks through photo-based verification.In terms of growth, Boardroom plans to expand its presence in major South African cities—Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town—by early next year. The startup also has international ambitions, with planned launches in London and the USA, targeting professional hubs like Canary Wharf.
Looking Ahead.
With the online dating industry valued in billions, Boardroom is carving a niche by focusing on long-term connections for professionals. By addressing the unique challenges faced by career-driven individuals, the platform is not only reshaping how professionals approach dating but also working to remove the stigma associated with online matchmaking.
