Discover the latest innovations, tech practices, marketing trends, and more in our exclusive interview series, ExtraMile by HiTechNectar. For today’s session, we are overwhelmed to host Geoff Michener, the visionary CEO and Founder of dataplor, a mobility and point-of-interest data provider.
dataplor has been assisting multinational businesses and firms that are looking for global expansion with accurate and valuable location data. With real-time location intelligence, the firm identifies the unique opportunities and drawbacks within international regions.
With over two decades of professional experience and knowledge on establishing a successful startup, our guest, Geoff, has reflected great leadership qualities alongside innovation. He has been associated with both private and government sectors, designing effective tools to transform diverse industries.
In today’s discussion, we’ll try to understand Geoff’s inspiration for building dataplor, how the firm is assisting businesses with their global expansion plan, the significance of foot traffic analytics, and everything in between. Let’s dive in!
Welcome, Geoff; we’re incredibly excited to have you with us today!
Q1. Geoff, you had a diverse career before founding dataplor. Can you share what inspired you to start the company and what problem you aimed to solve in the location data space?
Ans. Before founding dataplor, I worked at LivingSocial, where I saw firsthand how incomplete or inaccurate location data can lead to poor decision-making. The reality is that much of the world’s location data—especially in emerging markets—is either nonexistent, outdated, or unreliable. To bridge this gap, I started dataplor to provide businesses with highly accurate, verified, and real-time location intelligence through POI data, recently expanding to include mobility data. Through a combination of proprietary technology and human expertise, our mission is to map every business on the planet with precision, enabling organizations to expand confidently into new markets.
Q2. How comprehensive and dynamic location data, provided by dataplor, can assist businesses, particularly those aiming for global expansion?
Ans. Accurate location data is critical for businesses seeking to grow globally. It enables industries such as retail, consumer packaged goods, real estate, mapping, third-party logistics, finance, and quick service restaurants (QSRs) to assess market potential, optimize site selection, understand customer behavior, and refine their go-to-market strategies. For instance, a retailer looking to open stores in Latin America needs verified, real-world insights on foot traffic, competitor presence, and local preferences. Our data empowers these companies to make informed expansion decisions and mitigate risk.
Q3. With such vast and real-time information about places and mobility, how does dataplor ensure that its data remains relevant and accurate for businesses to make informed decisions?
Ans. We achieve accuracy and relevance through a combination of advanced AI, machine learning, and human verification. Our proprietary technology continuously processes billions of data points, cross-referencing them with on-the-ground sources to ensure precision. Additionally, unlike other providers who offer either scale or accuracy, we have local experts worldwide who validate our datasets across 200+ countries and territories, ensuring that businesses receive up-to-date and highly accurate information they can trust.
Q4. Foot traffic analytics is one of dataplor’s specialties. Can you explain how this data helps businesses optimize their operations? Could you share a real-world example where it had a significant impact?
Ans. Foot traffic analytics provide insights into customer movement patterns, peak business hours, and competitive positioning to help businesses understand not just where locations are, but how people interact with them. One way our data made an impact was by helping a major QSR brand refine its expansion strategy in Mexico. By analyzing foot traffic patterns, customer dwell time, and local business density, they were able to identify high-potential locations and avoid underperforming areas, ultimately increasing revenue and optimizing real estate investments.
Q5. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges businesses face when it comes to location data, and what steps should they take to overcome these challenges?
Ans. The biggest challenges include data inaccuracy, lack of standardization across markets, and the difficulty of integrating multiple data sources. Businesses can overcome these hurdles by partnering with reliable data providers who offer verified, dynamic, and globally-scaled intelligence. It’s also imperative that businesses understand the level of data freshness and update frequency of a provider to get the most up-to-date information to help drive strategic decision-making, which can be further streamlined by leveraging AI and automation tools for data analysis.
Q6. dataplor has grown rapidly and recently secured a USD 10.6 million Series A round. How do you think location intelligence will change in the near future, and what can we expect to happen next in the company?
Ans. As technology evolves, businesses are finding it easier than ever to expand internationally. However, success in global markets depends on access to consistent, high-quality location data that prioritizes privacy and compliance. The ability to understand and analyze market conditions, customer behavior, and competitive landscapes across multiple regions requires real-time, precise insights. At dataplor, we are committed to building the most comprehensive global location intelligence platform, ensuring businesses have the tools they need to scale effectively while maintaining data privacy standards. Our focus is on expanding our datasets, enhancing AI-driven analytics, and strengthening our privacy-first approach to support businesses navigating the complexities of international expansion.
Q7. Outside of your work, you are passionate about American Indian history and outdoor activities. How do these interests shape your perspective on innovation and business? Do they influence your leadership approach at dataplor?
Ans. Studying American Indian history has given me a deep appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking—qualities that are essential in business. Likewise, my love for the outdoors teaches me patience, problem-solving, and the importance of preparation. These perspectives influence my leadership at dataplor by fostering a culture of perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and continuous learning. I encourage our team to remain curious, adaptable, and mission-driven, all of which I believe are crucial as we continue to grow the company.
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