Engage.com, an online dating site that's currently in beta, announced first round funding today - the sum is $5 million. The company launched a year ago, and claims to be unique because of its system of 3rd party matchmaking - to meet someone, you've got to be introduced to them by another user.
You begin by conducting a search of the site - if you find someone you like, you have to send a message to one of your friends asking them to connect you. Your friend then receives an email and arranges an introduction. Matchmakers can communicate between you and your date, and try to assess their true personality. The business model is also intriguing: once Engage starts charging daters, they'll create an eBay-style feedback system for matchmakers and even pay them for their efforts.
But Engage faces the same problem as MatchActivity: it's a crowded space and a few key players dominate. What's more, I'm not convinced that an offline activity like matchmaking ports well to the web.
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