What is what3words?
Founded in 2013, what3words has revolutionized the way the world communicates location by dividing the globe into a grid of 3-meter squares, each assigned a unique three-word address. This proprietary geocode system provides a precise, human-readable alternative to complex GPS coordinates or ambiguous street addresses. By bridging the gap between digital mapping and physical navigation, what3words has established itself as a critical utility for logistics, emergency services, and e-commerce platforms. The company's market position is defined by its ability to solve the last-mile delivery challenge and improve accessibility in regions where traditional addressing systems are inadequate or non-existent.
How much funding has what3words raised?
what3words has raised a total of $104.4M across 5 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$500K
Series A
$3.5M
Series B
$8.5M
Private Equity
$85.9M
Other Financing Round
$6M
Angel/Seed (2013): $500K, investors not publicly disclosed
Series A (2015): $3.5M led by Intel Capital and Horizons Ventures
Series B (2016): $8.5M supported by Aramex, Intel Capital, Force Over Mass, and Mustard Seed
Private Equity (2022): $85.9M featuring German Media Pool
Other Financing Round (2022): $6M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in what3words
Intel Capital
A division of Intel, this firm invests in innovative startups targeting artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation compute technologies.
Horizons Ventures
A venture firm with over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs turn visionary concepts into successful, pragmatic business ventures.
Aramex
A global logistics and transportation leader headquartered in Dubai, specializing in international express delivery and e-commerce supply chain solutions.
What's next for what3words?
With the support of its latest major strategic investment, what3words is poised to accelerate its enterprise-level adoption. The company is expected to leverage this capital to deepen its integration within global supply chain networks and autonomous navigation systems. As the firm transitions from a high-growth startup to a foundational utility, the focus will likely shift toward scaling its API ecosystem and enhancing its presence in emerging markets. By maintaining its commitment to precision and user-centric design, what3words is well-positioned to become the global standard for location identification, driving long-term value for its stakeholders and partners.
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