Blockchain, the distributed ledger platform that powers bitcoin, is being used by a startup to power a dating service with a difference.

In an effort to disrupt the multi-billion dollar online dating industry, Matchpool is building a blockchain-powered incentive-based community platform that allows anyone to open his or her own dating pool. Described by the company as “Slack meets Tinder,” the service allows users to create pools, which are similar to Slack channels, that allow connections among friends and niche communities.

Given that attracting users can be a hard ask considering how many existing alternatives are already out there, Matchpool will also provide an incentive using a Guppy token, a form of tradable cryptocurrency powered by Ethereum smart contracts.

“Matchpool aims to make it simple and profitable for individuals to connect their communities online by creating a fair, incentivized platform to foster relationships,” the company said in an email to SiliconANGLE. “Matchmakers on the platform can earn Guppies for successful matches, while individuals can earn Guppies for participation. Users will eventually be able to trade or sell their GUP on reputable cryptocurrency exchanges.”

Chief Executive Officer Yonatan Ben Shimon explained to SiliconANGLE that the service will empower users to build their own communities. “Many online dating services use subscription-based models that do not align with the interest of the user,” he said. “Our vision is to let anyone become a matchmaker in their own community to facilitate a more natural online dating experience for everyone involved.”

The service itself doesn’t yet exist but is planned to be built using funds raised from the sale of Guppys next month. A public beta release is scheduled for May.

Backing Matchpool is JDate founder Joe Shapira, along with a number of noted names from the cryptocurrency community on the company’s advisory board, including Ned Scott from Steem, Julian Zawistowski from The Golem Project and Coinfund’s Jake Brukman.

Image courtesy of Matchpool