Chat & mobile calling app firm Nimbuzz launches dating app 'Masque'

Instant messaging and mobile calling application firm Nimbuzz has launched an anonymous dating app. Called Masque, the app lets its users find, flirt and hook-up with others based on their location, age and gender. Besides basic messaging, the app also enables users to send stickers and emoji, and share self-destructive pictures, videos as well as audio messages.

How it works?

Available on the iOS, Android and Windows Phone platforms, the app allows users to create a profile with a nickname and avatar, and initiate a new conversation by hitting the '+' button- post which the app starts matching users. Masque lets users chat with multiple matches at the same time.

Also, the self-destructive videos, photos or audio messages sent by users are deleted irrecoverably once their recipients have viewed/listened to them.

Nimbuzz was founded in 2008 by IIT-alumni Vikas Saxena, who had previously worked at companies like Deutsche Telekom, Bharati Airtel and Aircel. According to the company, it is in the process of developing and launching a series of mobile apps including social messaging, anonymous chat, and micro-money transfer.

The firm was recently acquired by UK-based New Call Telecom, a global telecommunications company. New Call Telecom has committed to invest at least $100 million in mid-level telecommunications acquisitions in India to roll-out broadband in the country and create mutually-supportive mobile apps.

There are several online dating apps, many of which have gained a lot of investor interest in the recent past. Recently, matchmaking site Aisle raised $100,000 in seed funding from angel investors. Last month, Delhi & Singapore-based Thrill Pte Ltd, a mobile dating startup which runs its apps on Android and iOS platforms under the Thrill banner, raised an undisclosed amount from People Group, which owns matrimonial portal Shaadi.com, for a significant minority stake.