Shapr

Shapr is a professional networking app, which uses an algorithm to suggest professionals with matching interests and similar professional goals.[1] Shapr is headquartered in Paris, France.

Shapr
Developer(s)Ludovic Huraux, Jonathan Rogez, Cyril Ferey, Vincent Bobin and Thomas Bouttefort
Operating systemVarious
TypeSocial networking service

Shapr was started in 2015 by Ludovic Huraux, Jonathan Rogez, Cyril Ferey, Vincent Bobin and Thomas Bouttefort. The app's initial launch was funded through a 2015 seed round of $3 million.[2][3] The team announced an additional raise of $4 million in 2016.[4] In June 2017, Shapr announced a Series A raise of $9.5 million.[5]

Work

Shapr uses LinkedIn to build a user profile with basic data including the user's photo and job title. Users then add up to ten interests. From there, Shapr's smart algorithm curates a daily batch of 10-20 profiles of relevant and active users nearby who share similar interests and goals.[6] When users share interests, these are displayed in orange while viewing a user's profile.[7] Users can swipe right or click "Meet" on profiles when they hope to connect. Users can then pick a ready-to-go conversation starter to say hello and set up a time to continue the conversation offline.[8][9][10][11][12][13]

Reception

The Economist's 1843 Magazine called the app "the Shapr of things to come" and says the app is built around the idea that "networks are more effective when built around a handful of worthwhile relationships, not thousands of interactions".[14] The Wall Street Journal says the app "could dispel the fear of rejection that discourages some users from reaching out on LinkedIn."[15] Inc. magazine shared "what is different about Shapr is that it's repositioning networking as a mindset and an essential professional skill to master, rather than a means to an end."[16]

Wired points out that in order for the app to succeed, people need to believe that "connecting with people outside of your normal interest groups is the key to professional success."[8]

References
  1. "Toronto professionals swear by this networking app". Toronto Life. 8 March 2018.
  2. "Shapr Raises $3 Million For Its Business Networking Mobile App". TechCrunch.
  3. "Shapr raises $3M to connect you with your professional network's 'friends of friends'". VentureBeat. 20 January 2015.
  4. "Shapr, le nouveau projet du fondateur d'Attractive World". Les Échos (in French).
  5. "Professional networking app Shapr gathers $9.5 mln". PE Hub. 27 June 2017.
  6. Shaw, Dougal (26 November 2016). "Would you go on a 'business date'?". BBC News.
  7. "Like LinkedIn, But With A More Intimate, Meaningful Network Of Connections". Fast Company. 20 January 2015.
  8. "Swipe Right for the Corner Office". WIRED.
  9. Zimmerman, Kaytie. "This App Makes Professional Networking As Easy As Swiping Right". Forbes.
  10. Neal, Brandi. "This App Takes The Work Out Of Networking". Bustle.
  11. "Shapr Helping Break the Networking Glass Ceiling". Ebony magazine. 13 August 2018.
  12. "Network In Your Pajamas With Shapr". Brooklyn Magazine. 12 January 2018.
  13. Wen, Tiffanie. "Looking for your dream job? Swipe right". BBC Online.
  14. "Can Shapr and BumbleBizz reinvent networking?". 1843. 30 October 2017.
  15. Kadet, Anne (14 March 2017). "Professional-Networking App Makes Some Quirky Connections". Wall Street Journal.
  16. "3 Ways To Transform Online Connections Into Meaningful Professional Relationships". Inc.com. 14 July 2017.
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