Building Real-World Utility: DePIN, AI, and Crypto’s Future | Fully Diluted with Messari Research
May 1, 2025
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Ariel Seidman, co-founder and CEO of Hivemapper, shares his insights on building a decentralized global map. He emphasizes that real-world utility, rather than hype, is crucial for crypto's future. The conversation uncovers the obstacles in cryptocurrency, advancements in mapping technology, and the intricacies of sustainable tokenomics. Seidman also discusses the importance of decentralized networks and how HiveMapper engages the community through AI. This innovative approach aims to shift the focus from mere speculation to practical applications in the crypto space.
The core challenge in the crypto sector is not infrastructure but the need for real-world utility and meaningful products.
HiveMapper revolutionizes mapping by utilizing AI to autonomously process data, ensuring ease of contribution from users.
A dynamic tokenomics model promotes sustainable growth and active community engagement by rewarding meaningful contributions within the mapping ecosystem.
Deep dives
Understanding Industry Bottlenecks
The primary issue impacting the industry's growth is not a lack of infrastructure, but rather the absence of products that deliver real-world utility and value. Many projects have emerged with the intent of generating easy profits, primarily through the launch of Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) solutions, while failing to address actual market needs. To break this bottleneck, teams must focus on developing meaningful applications that cater to users' needs rather than just boasting technological superiority. The emphasis should be on creating solutions that genuinely benefit consumers, shifting the narrative from mere speculation toward constructive development.
Innovations in Mapping Technology
HiveMapper aims to create a global map through a unique device known as the B, which efficiently processes mapping data using artificial intelligence (AI) directly on the device. This innovative approach allows the device to autonomously recognize and categorize various road features, providing detailed real-time updates without requiring extensive user interaction. The ease of use ensures that contributors can passively contribute to improving the map while minimizing the technical demands placed on them. Moreover, HiveMapper targets a diverse range of industries by offering tailored data solutions, catering to logistics, trucking, and real estate, among others.
Market Potential and Demand
The demand for HiveMapper’s services spans multiple sectors, with significant interest from commercial fleet operators and businesses needing navigation and geospatial data. Companies such as utility firms and medical delivery services seek advanced mapping capabilities to optimize operations, indicating a growing market for real-time data solutions. Despite competition from established players like Google and other mapping companies, many businesses struggle with issues related to data accuracy and timeliness. By addressing these gaps and providing tailored data products, HiveMapper has the opportunity to grow its market share and establish itself as a key player in the mapping domain.
Evolving Through AI and Technology
The integration of advanced AI models is significantly enhancing the capabilities of HiveMapper’s products, enabling detailed scene descriptions and precise data collection about roadside features. Aside from detecting basic information, the AI can now interpret complex scenarios, such as identifying construction zones or assessing the status of roadside facilities. This level of intelligence is particularly beneficial for autonomous vehicles, where accurate and real-time information is critical for navigation and safe operations. With ongoing advancements in AI technology, HiveMapper is positioned to harness these innovations to further refine its mapping capabilities and expand its offerings.
Tokenomics and Market Viability
HiveMapper employs a dynamic tokenomics model, utilizing a burn-and-mint equilibrium approach to ensure sustainable long-term growth while incentivizing contributions. Unlike traditional fixed minting schedules, this model adjusts token distribution based on the actual growth of the mapping network, promoting value creation. The aim is to reward participants for generating meaningful contributions as the map expands, which encourages active engagement within the community. As the project matures, it may shift toward implementing AI-driven adjustments that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of token rewards based on real-time data quality.
What’s really holding crypto back? It’s not infrastructure—it’s product.
In this episode of Fully Diluted, Hivemapper CEO Ariel Seidman joins Messari’s Dylan Bane to unpack the deep infrastructure powering Hivemapper’s decentralized global map—and why real utility, not hype, is the key to crypto’s next chapter.
0:50 Introductions
4:02 HiveMapper Intro
12:13 Market Demand
18:55 Token Model
29:20 Regulation & Adoptio
36:05 Crypto Culture
38:56 App Layer & Roadmap
46:04 Conclusion
Hosted by Dylan Bane of Messari
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This episode and its contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Messari, Inc. Hosts and guests may hold cryptocurrencies discussed in this content. This content is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as investment advice. You should conduct your own research, and consult an independent financial, tax, or legal advisor before making any investment decisions. Nothing contained in this content is a recommendation or suggestion, directly or indirectly, to buy, sell, make, or hold any investment, loan, commodity, or security, or to undertake any investment or trading strategy with respect to any investment, loan, commodity, security, or any issuer. This content should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security or commodity. Messari does not guarantee the sequence, accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this content.
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