2GIS

About 2GIS

2GIS is a digital mapping and city information service provider established in 1999 by founders Alexander Sysoev and Dmitriy Sysoev. Headquartered in Novosibirsk, Russia, the company, originally named DoubleGIS, began by creating detailed electronic directories and maps, eventually rebranding to 2GIS in 2011 to facilitate international expansion. A significant milestone occurred in 2015 when the company secured a $40 million investment from Baring Vostok and ru-Net to fuel product development and market growth. In 2020, Sberbank acquired a 72% controlling stake in the company, valuing it at approximately $205 million, integrating 2GIS into its broader technology ecosystem while the founders and management retained a 25% share.

The company operates a free-to-use city information platform that provides highly detailed 3D maps, a comprehensive business directory, and a multi-modal navigation system. The platform serves the general public by offering precise information on buildings, including individual entrances, public transport routes, real-time traffic data, and business details like contact information and operating hours. The primary revenue stream is generated through the sale of advertising placements to businesses within the directory and on the map, allowing companies to enhance their visibility to a large user base. 2GIS targets local businesses and service providers, offering them a dedicated business account to manage their listings, track user engagement metrics, and purchase targeted ads.

The core product is a detailed mapping service accessible via PC, web, and mobile applications for iOS and Android. Its key feature is the high accuracy of its data, which the company maintains through its own teams of cartographers and contact center specialists who verify information on the ground. The platform includes a sophisticated navigator for cars, trucks, pedestrians, and public transport, which considers factors like traffic, road closures, and vehicle parameters. For major venues like shopping centers and airports, 2GIS provides detailed indoor floor plans. The service has expanded to cover hundreds of cities across several countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and others, and also offers an API and SDK for developers to integrate its mapping and data services into third-party applications.