Every day, 100k+ smart people read our newsletter. You can sign up here.
Hello readers,
Have you ever been betrayed by Google Maps? It’s happened to me several times. You key in an address and count on it to show you the fastest way to your destination – but then you end up walking in circles, trying to figure out where you are and why on earth Google told you to turn left when it seems that you can only go right.
If it’s frustrating for you and me, imagine what it’s like for companies who are reliant on having accurate map data to make their businesses work. After all, how do you deliver packages efficiently when your drivers can’t figure out where they’re supposed to go? This is a concern especially in many emerging Asian countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, where messy addresses, rural roads, and non-car modes of transportation create a situation where Google Maps may not be very helpful at all.
Today we look at,
- How this startup wants to be the maps provider for enterprises
- A gig marketplace that’s entered the unicorn club
- Other newsy highlights such as Tencent getting sued and UnaBiz’s expansion to Japan.
PREMIUM SUMMARY
Who are the guys you need to know when you’ve got a place to go?
Having precise location data is critical for many of the services that, as end consumers, we often take for granted, such as food and parcel deliveries or ride-hailing. But getting a hold of reliable map data, especially in emerging markets, is no easy task – which is where NextBillion.ai wants to make a difference.
- Part of the Grab mafia: NextBillion.ai was founded by three ex-Grabbers, who were inspired by the realization that accurate maps were difficult to come by in emerging markets such as Indonesia or India and that most businesses didn’t have the expertise and resources to customize them for their specific use cases.
- For the enterprises: NextBillion.ai’s service, NextbillionMaps, manages and tracks large-scale geospatial data for its clients, then helps them use the information effectively in their products and services. It’s addressing a gap left by services like Google Maps, which are consumer-focused and often US-centric.
- Wisdom of the crowd: Part of NextbillionMaps’ value proposition lies in its ability to handle the messy and informal addresses that are common in emerging markets. To do so, it leverages OpenStreetMaps, an open-sourced alternative to Google Maps, and applies artificial intelligence to satellite and street imagery to get its data.
Read more: NextBillion.ai looks to dethrone Google Maps in the enterprise space
PREMIUM SUMMARY
Welcome to the unicorn club!
Unlocking the IPO process with Patrick Grove
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
