MatchUp, is a matchmaking portal that aims to connect users who share similar social and professional interests and profiles, and Airtel claims the platform is driven by flexible privacy options and data encryption to protect user’s information.
It seems like Airtel means for it to be more than a matchmaking portal according to this press release by Airtel,
The unique service serves as a medium for Airtel customers to connect with each other for various reasons including friendship, dating and business relationships among others. It also has a special feature tagged ‘Rooms’, where subscribers discuss diverse issues relating to relationship.
Maurice Newa, Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Nigeria added, “At some point, people want to relate with others who are in the same field or share common interests. It can be students in the same field or professionals who render similar services, better still, youths or singles who want to initiate friendships or relationships. MatchUp offers everyone the opportunity to connect and know one another,”
With Matchup, users can easily search through thousands of profiles and photos to find people with similar interests. It also allows users to wave at other users and engage in private chats
MatchUp is one of the 6 startups that were selected as winners in Airtel’s Catapult-A-Startup competition earlier this year, and they won a grant of N1 million. Yuzah, a diesel logistics and home delivery startup that was selected in Airtel’s Catapult-A-Startup, also partnered with Airtel recently to launch their app that hopes to enhance their company's prospects in diesel delivery around Nigeria.
Here's a full list of the winners from the Catapult-A-Startup competition
It might be desirable to speculate that Airtel has committed its attention to drive entrepreneurial growth in internet technology startups, but it's too soon to tell just how much.
