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Bumble launches Bizz, a new mode for professional networking

Bumble launches Bizz, a new mode for professional networking

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Image: Bumble

First announced last July, Bumble has launched Bizz, a new mode in its app designed for professional networking and mentoring. Following the “women make the first move” concept the dating app is built on, Bizz lets users swipe to find connections to network with Bumble’s 20 million users. By letting women choose who they want to talk to, Bumble is hoping that Bizz will “help clear up the gray areas in networking that often make women feel uncomfortable,” Bumble told The Verge over email.

Bizz profiles let users add verified photos, digital resumes, a skills section and examples of their work. Despite the obvious comparisons to LinkedIn, Bumble seems set on distancing itself away from the platform, insisting that the app is designed for “networking and mentoring, not job searching or recruiting.” So if you’re in the market for a job ASAP, this is probably not the place to look.

Bumble’s own HR team will be on the app as well, as Bumble has committed to hiring 10 people discovered through Bizz. So if you want to work for Bumble, just hover around in the general vicinity of their offices, and hope that your profile will eventually show up on the team’s radar.

Bizz joins BFF as another mode within the Bumble app, which was introduced last year to help you find your new best friend. (I call this section of the app “friend-zoning, but intentional.”) Mode Switching lets you manage three different profiles for each of the separate features Bumble offers, “so no accidents happen.” However, with the profile UIs all looking pretty similar, and nothing but the Bumble Bizz logo at the top to separate it from the main Bumble mode, make sure you’re in a clear state of mind (i.e., not drunk) when swiping. And if you’re in a relationship, get ready to explain to your significant other that “It’s just for networking, babe!” if they see the Bumble icon on your home screen.

Image: Bumble

Bumble Bizz launches in the US, Canada, UK, France, and Germany on the App Store today, and is coming to Android on October 18th.