Internet dating has surged in popularity and two Melbourne sisters are at the fore with the launch of their free online dating service, Rogue Connect.

Melbourne sisters Tania and Renata Braukämper have teamed up with two other university friends to create the site. Both in their early twenties, the sisters decided to start a service for people under the age of 40 who are increasingly using the internet to meet people. Their site not only focuses on personals and online dating, but also socialising and networking. ?A lot of people use sites like ours for romance,? says Tania, ?and our site definitely encompasses that. But we?ve also built in features that let you socialise, meet people and just have fun. You don't have to be on a mission for something serious.?

Rogue Connect is paving the way for a new generation of online dating and filling a youthful niche in the market that their competitors have long ignored. There is a marked cheekiness to the site, which ensures its pages are never dull, and a sense of humour that young people in particular find entertaining. But there?s one other thing that makes Rogue Connect stand out: it?s completely free. ?While there are people out there who are willing to pay forty or fifty dollars a month, not everyone can afford it and we?ve made allowances for that while building the site for younger people,? reveals Renata.

But the free nature of the site doesn?t mean that the sisters aren?t involved in a world of big business. Each year well over to $500 million is spent on online personals worldwide and, while relatively new to the scene, the sisters have already received investment offers. After only a fortnight online they were offered $50,000 in venture capital, though it?s an offer they are yet to take up.

Rogue Connect may be in its early stages, but is growing steadily. The sisters have big plans for the site, with a range of new and unique features to be introduced soon. Rogue Connect can be accessed at Rogueconnect.com