Location Data Startup dataplor Raises $20.5 Million to Map Underserved Global Markets
dataplor Secures $20.5M to Bridge the Global Location Data Gap
Series B funding will expand coverage of under-mapped regions as businesses increasingly demand reliable location intelligence
In a world where businesses depend on precise location data to make strategic decisions worth billions, the question of reliability becomes paramount – especially when venturing beyond well-mapped territories. Manhattan Beach-based dataplor aims to solve this challenge, announcing yesterday a $20.5 million Series B funding round led by F-Prime, with participation from Spark Capital, FFVC, Acronym Venture Capital, Two Lanterns Venture Capital, APA Ventures, dara5, and Alumni Ventures.
The investment comes shortly after dataplor's launch of its global mobility product, which delivers monthly refreshed foot traffic data across international markets, complementing its existing database of over 350 million points of interest spanning more than 250 countries and territories.
Table: Overview of dataplor’s Business Model Canvas, Product Offerings, and Financial Highlights.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Partners | 100,000+ global validators, tech partners (CARTO, Snowflake, etc.), investors, Fortune 500 clients |
| Key Activities | Data aggregation/validation, AI/ML development, product expansion, human-in-the-loop QA |
| Key Resources | Proprietary tech, global POI database, validator network, enterprise relationships |
| Value Propositions | Accurate, global, privacy-first POI/mobility data; actionable insights; under-mapped market coverage |
| Customer Relationships | Dedicated support, long-term contracts, custom solutions, proof-of-value onboarding |
| Channels | Direct sales, data marketplaces, website, industry partnerships |
| Customer Segments | Enterprises in tech, finance, retail, logistics, CPG, telecom, real estate, investment |
| Cost Structure | Tech/dev, validator ops, data processing, sales/marketing, compliance |
| Revenue Streams | DaaS subscriptions, multi-year licenses, usage/API fees, custom solutions |
| Leading Products/Services | Global Places Data, Mobility Data, Location Intelligence, Proprietary Metadata, Geometry Data, Brand Data, AI Call Bots |
| Financial Highlights (2025) | Revenue: $11.3M; Employees: 74 (+100,000 validators); 2.5x YoY growth; profitable in 2025; $20.5M Series B funding |
When AI Meets Human Validation in the World's Blind Spots
For multinational corporations expanding into emerging markets, outdated or inaccurate location data creates a significant obstacle. While regions like North America enjoy comprehensive digital mapping, areas across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa often remain digital blind spots – creating what dataplor calls "billions of dollars in missed opportunities."
What sets dataplor apart in addressing this challenge is its hybrid approach. The company combines AI and machine learning systems with human validation to ensure accuracy even in historically under-mapped regions. This methodology has proven particularly valuable for companies in industries ranging from electric vehicle charging networks to insurance, retail, and logistics.
"Businesses around the world are realizing how critical accurate, dynamic location data is to their strategy," said Gaurav Tuli, Partner at F-Prime. "dataplor has built a truly differentiated solution that combines global scale, data quality, and compliance in a way we haven't seen before."
Real-World Impact: From EV Chargers to Insurance Models
For corporations making high-stakes decisions, dataplor's combination of POI data and foot traffic analytics is already delivering measurable results. An EV charging network reportedly reduced deployment errors by 20% by using dataplor's forecasting capabilities to better predict demand patterns. Similarly, a major insurer improved its risk model accuracy by approximately 15% after incorporating dataplor's location intelligence.
"Our customers demand accurate, fresh, and globally compliant location data," said Geoff Michener, Founder and CEO of dataplor. "With this new funding, we're doubling down on our commitment to deliver the highest quality insights, while expanding our geographic coverage, enriching our product suite, and driving real business impact through seamless customer integration."
The Privacy Paradox: Location Data Without PII
As global privacy regulations continue to tighten, dataplor has positioned itself as a privacy-first provider. Unlike some competitors who have faced regulatory scrutiny, dataplor's architecture explicitly avoids collecting personally identifiable information , instead focusing on aggregated, anonymized data. This approach aims to provide enterprises with compliance confidence while still delivering actionable insights.
The timing appears strategic, as many enterprises now consider "privacy-compliant" and "aggregated/anonymized" as baseline requirements rather than differentiators when selecting location intelligence providers.
Emerging Markets: The Final Frontier of Location Intelligence
While competitors like SafeGraph and Placer.ai have built strong positions in North American and European markets, dataplor has deliberately focused on regions with less digital infrastructure. This strategy has resonated particularly with multinational corporations looking to expand into high-growth emerging economies.
For consumer packaged goods companies, this translates to identifying untapped distribution opportunities in under-served regions. One Fortune 100 CPG client reportedly saw a 12% improvement in channel growth across Latin American markets after integrating dataplor's insights into their expansion strategy.
Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Precision
The company's hybrid approach doesn't come without challenges. Some industry analysts note that dataplor's emphasis on human validation, while improving data quality, raises operating costs compared to fully automated alternatives. Competitors relying entirely on algorithmic approaches reportedly undercut hybrid models by 20-30% on per-POI pricing.
However, dataplor maintains that quality justifies the premium, especially for enterprises making multi-million dollar decisions based on location intelligence. The company's claimed error rates of less than 5% globally appear to support this position.
Looking Ahead: Where the $20.5M Will Flow
The Series B funding will primarily accelerate three strategic initiatives: expanding POI coverage into additional under-mapped regions, enhancing customer-specific solutions, and scaling the recently launched global mobility product.
With a current annual recurring revenue estimated at approximately $5-8 million and growing at 60-75% year-over-year, dataplor seems positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The company currently supports dozens of enterprise customers, including multiple Fortune 100 corporations, with integration into workflows spanning geospatial, operations, and growth teams.
For investors considering the location intelligence space, dataplor represents an interesting bet on the convergence of two trends: the growing enterprise demand for global location data and the increasing importance of privacy compliance. While established players dominate mature markets, dataplor's focus on emerging economies and quality validation offers a differentiated approach in a sector expected to exceed $20 billion by mid-2025.
However, challenges remain in scaling human validation economically, navigating regional privacy regulations, and maintaining data source diversity in the face of potential mobile OS policy changes. These factors will likely determine whether dataplor can maintain its current growth trajectory and successfully convert its technical advantage into sustainable market leadership.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance of companies in the location intelligence sector does not guarantee future results. Readers should consult financial advisors for personalized guidance.