Mapstr

About Mapstr

Mapstr SAS operates as a geo-mapping service provider, headquartered in Paris, France. The company was founded in 2014 by Sébastien Caron, who currently serves as the CEO. The inspiration for Mapstr reportedly came from Caron's personal need to keep track of recommended places without losing them in notes or messages.

The company's core offering is a mobile application that enables users to create a personalized, digital map of their favorite places worldwide. Users can bookmark locations such as restaurants, shops, and landmarks, and organize them with custom tags, notes, and photos. A key feature is the ability to share these curated maps and follow the maps of friends, family, or influencers, creating a social network centered on trusted recommendations. The app was officially launched in June 2015. Significant growth milestones include reaching one million users by March 2019 and four million users by early 2024.

Mapstr's business model is primarily freemium, providing core functionalities for free to attract a large user base, while offering premium features through a 'Mapstr Plus' subscription. These premium options include advanced filtering and offline maps. Revenue is also generated through B2B and B2C partnerships. The company allows partners, such as media outlets and influencers, to create and sell their curated recommendation maps on the app's 'mapStore'. Furthermore, Mapstr offers a B2B solution for brands and businesses to develop and share branded maps with their customers. This strategy leverages location-based marketing, providing a communication channel for businesses to engage with potential customers. The company has successfully raised capital through crowdfunding, including a €1.5 million round in June 2022 and another campaign in 2024, demonstrating strong user commitment.