I never read any study on this. There might be some interval, say, you should wait somewhere between X and Y years/months before dating so that it maximizes relationship satisfaction.
To me, this feels entirely personal. If you like the person, and want to spend more time with them, why not spend more time together and see where it goes? If, as you spend more time together, you notice that it's not quite what you thought, then dating is a bad idea. If you still like him, and he likes you, go ahead!