Dating apps always have beautiful stories that lead to pretty engagement photos and cheaper rent. This time with Shapr, there’s no “they got married and moved in” but rather their careers took off using this app. Shapr is a networking app that helps you connect with nearby professionals who share your interests. We spoke with Sysamone Phapon, an SF-based entrepreneur, and Shapr user Akash Ghai who shared how the app has made an impact in their professional lives.

Sysamone Phaphon is CEO of San-Francisco based startup FilmHero, a platform offering distribution, licensing and screening tour support for filmmakers. She admitted that traditional networking could often be “hit or miss.” However, she says Shapr has helped her to get efficient in how she builds meaningful new professional relationships.

"Shapr is different in that it directly connects you to the right people for your professional goals," she said. "I'm running a company in which I have very little to no time to spare. Shapr quickly leads to a coffee or smoothie or lunch meeting, and I leave every Shapr meetup fulfilled instead of feeling like I wasted my time."

So how does the app work? Each day, Shapr curates a list of 10-15 relevant professionals in your area, based on an algorithm that accounts for your personal and professional interests, job title and location. Your best matches are delivered straight to your phone where you can swipe easily and anonymously in less than a minute. And, of course, if there’s a match, you can start talking right away.

"A conversation off Shapr might not lead to something, but a little connection or moment where you discover a common interest or learn something new can leave you happy the rest of the day," said London-transplant Akash Ghai, founder of D3, a firm that helps companies drive positive social impact. Akash starting using the app to connect with potential new business, but has found these conversations to be the highlight of his week.

"I've been in the nonprofit, international development sector for a long time, and left my last role quite disenchanted by what I had come across. Connecting with likeminded individuals, who have the same practical approach and who support our mission has been validating and uplifting."

Over 300,000 people have started using Shapr to connect with inspiring professionals, including several thousand people in San Francisco. Some find ideas and inspiration, others find co-founders, business or career opportunities, mentors or friends in a new city.

Think of Shapr like another daily ritual, and adopt a healthier and more mindful networking habit. So go on—get out there and meet the right people waiting to meet you. Download Shapr for iOS or Android and start connecting today.

This post is brought to you by Shapr.