Hivemapper (HONEY)

Mapping and Data Collection

Hivemapper is a decentralized network where users collect street-level imagery using purpose-built dashcams as they drive. This crowdsourced data is processed by AI to create a constantly updated global map. Contributors earn HONEY tokens as rewards for capturing and verifying map data.

Navigation and Logistics

Businesses and developers use Hivemapper’s fresh and accurate map data to improve navigation, route planning, fleet management, package tracking, and location sharing. The data helps enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Autonomous Driving and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Hivemapper provides dynamic, up-to-date map data that supports machine learning and AI systems in autonomous vehicles and ADAS, helping these systems understand real-world road conditions more accurately.

Token Economy and Incentives

HONEY tokens incentivize contributors to collect and verify map data. These tokens are also used by customers to access Hivemapper’s map data services, creating a balanced ecosystem where contributors and users interact economically.

Developer and Business Integration

Hivemapper offers APIs that are affordable and easy to implement, enabling businesses to build mapping data products and services on top of the Hivemapper Network for various use cases, especially focused on street-level navigation.

Pros

• Hivemapper rewards contributors with HONEY tokens for capturing street-level imagery and training AI, creating a Drive-to-Earn model where users earn crypto by simply driving with a dashcam.
• The platform builds a fresh, frequently updated global map, potentially updating roads weekly compared to Google Maps' 18-month update cycle.
• It offers real-world utility by providing mapping data to businesses and developers through API credits.
• The project has strong technical leadership and a clear engineering roadmap, with a team experienced in mapping and geo data.
• Hivemapper supports self-custody wallets like Phantom and Breeze, giving users control over their crypto assets.
• The tokenomics include staking and region-based rewards to encourage authentic participation and reduce circulating supply.
• Recent funding rounds and new subscription models (Bee Membership) make hardware and connectivity more accessible.

Cons

• There are reports of delays and poor customer service in shipping dashcam hardware.
• Earnings from mining with dashcams may diminish over time due to built-in diminishing returns.
• The initial cost of hardware and the need to drive extensively to break even can be a barrier.
• Some users express frustration with leadership and project execution.
• Competition from large companies with their own mapping systems could impact growth.
• The HONEY token price can be volatile and influenced by market factors and large holders ("whales").
• Some community members view it more as a speculative crypto investment than a fully mature tech product.

Founders

Hivemapper was founded by Ariel Seidman and Ben Wong. Ariel Seidman serves as the CEO and Co-Founder, while Ben Wong is also a Co-Founder of the company.

Roles and Background

Ariel Seidman leads the company and has a background in engineering and business development. Ben Wong is recognized as a co-founder involved in the early vision and development of Hivemapper.

Company Vision

The founders aimed to create a decentralized, community-driven mapping network that rewards contributors with crypto tokens, making map ownership more accessible and dynamic.

Lead Investors

Hivemapper's Series A round was led by Multicoin Capital, a crypto-focused investment fund.

Participating Venture Capital Firms

Other key investors include Spark Capital, Founder Collective, Homebrew, Craft Ventures, Solana Capital, Shine Capital, and 75 and Sunny Ventures.

Notable Institutional Investors

Google Ventures (GV), Accelerator Ventures, Van Eck, and Ajna Capital have also invested in Hivemapper.

Angel and Strategic Investors

Prominent angels and executives such as Raj Gokal (Co-Founder of Solana), Anatoly Yakovenko (CEO of Solana), Amir Haleem (CEO of Nova Labs), and former executives from Masterclass, Shopify, Tinder, Apple Maps, and Rakuten have supported the project.

Total Funding and Investor Count

Hivemapper has raised over $23 million across multiple rounds from more than 18 investors.

Halal Status of Hivemapper

• Hivemapper is a decentralized mapping network that rewards contributors with HONEY tokens for providing real-time map data.
• The project focuses on community collaboration and uses blockchain technology on Solana.
• There is no direct scholarly or Shariah-compliant certification information available specifically for Hivemapper.
• Unlike HIVE token, which has been analyzed and considered halal due to its ecosystem and governance model, Hivemapper lacks explicit halal certification or detailed Shariah analysis.
• Therefore, based on the available information, a clear yes or no answer cannot be definitively given. No explicit confirmation of Hivemapper being halal is found.