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The Times Tech Podcast

What3words' Chris Sheldrick: "Driver, take me to 'Table Chair Spoon'"

Jun 29, 2018
37:45
Snipd AI
Chris Sheldrick, founder of what3words, discusses the need for a new addressing system (4:25), challenges of convincing people to switch (7:15), competing with GPS (11:10), 'killer app' he's looking for (12:45), how suitcases are like addresses (14:05), his journey from musician to entrepreneur (17:10), choosing three words (20:20), securing funding and business model (26:35), taking on 'Big Address' (28:45)
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • What Three Words aims to replace traditional address systems with a unique three-word combination for every 10 foot by 10 foot square on the planet, offering a more accurate and convenient way to navigate and deliver services.
  • What Three Words disrupts the address data industry by providing a simplified and more accurate alternative to traditional address systems, tapping into the multi-billion dollar address data market and reshaping how people interact with location-based information.

Deep dives

What Three Words: Revolutionizing Address Systems

What Three Words is a company that aims to replace traditional address systems with a unique three-word combination for every 10 foot by 10 foot square on the planet. The founder, Chris Sheldrick, explains the need for a simpler and more accurate way to navigate and deliver services in areas with no or inefficient address systems. The company has raised over $50 million and has gained traction with various organizations, including the UN and government agencies, who use the system for disaster relief and postal services. They have also partnered with brands like Mercedes to integrate three-word addresses into their systems, offering a more convenient and error-free way to navigate. The company monetizes its service by licensing the conversion of three-word addresses to longitude and latitude coordinates, disrupting the existing address data industry. While adoption and changing consumer behavior remain a challenge, the company continues to push for wider acceptance and integration in everyday navigation systems.

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