Dataplor is a small business intelligence platform providing valuable information on SMEs in emerging markets that are often not yet listed online. Through hand-collected and verified data the company aims to combat the issue of untapped business data in emerging markets through the use of hyperlocal information that can benefit global companies.
Dataplor now has over 100,000 ‘feet-on-the-street explorers’ tasked with collecting key information from small businesses such as exact location, opening hours, owner’s names and contact info, and payment methods, which is then connected to larger companies such as American Express, iZettle, PayPal and Google in Mexico. Prior to Dataplor, more than 80% of these SMEs had no digital footprint at all, making them untraceable for both customers and global partners.
Dataplor was founded in 2016 by Geoffrey Michener and is based in Los Angeles, CA and Mexico City. They are currently active across Latin America, collecting data in some of the major emerging markets in the region, including Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
Magma Partners invested alongside Quest Venture Partners, Blue Startups, ff Venture Capital, and Sidekick Fund.
In Mexico, where 80% of businesses don’t have any digital footprint and less than 5% have a website, Dataplor is filling in the gaps left by Google and other major databases that have not yet reached these markets. With Dataplor, the gap between global companies and Latin American SMEs is closing, bringing new digital distribution and investment opportunities for both sides.