Zippr set to launch smart address app out of beta

Zippr uses various mapping technologies like Google Maps and Open Street Maps and makes location search easier

After completing five months of successful beta testing, including 16,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, Hyderabad-based technology startup Zippr Private Limited is gearing up to commercially launch Zippr, its mobile app that shrinks a lengthy address into an eight-digit alphanumeric code, in the next couple of months.

"Our idea is to come out of the beta with few business partnerships, initially. We have already identified five verticals including quick service restaurants, transportation and logistics, ecommerce, medical emergency and services providers, and plan to have under our ecosystem at least 50 businesses across these verticals in cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi by the end of this calendar," Zippr chief executive V Aditya told Business Standard.

Zippr, which went for beta testing in December 2013 after going through some initial prototypes for four months, uses various mapping technologies like Google Maps and Open Street Maps and makes the location search easier. Once a Zippr code is created and sent to businesses or friends, it points to an exaction location on a map and give directions through a voice guide navigation.

"GPS (global positioning system) generally has some discrepancy in accuracy of about 15 metre. Though we are not showing a ton of information right now, we are peppering some additional information like building names and apartment numbers to make the addresses more smart," he said.

Zippr, which has seen a seed round of Rs 1 crore so far, is currently in talks with venture capital companies that could understand its long-term game, and is planning to raise anywhere between $1 million (or approximately Rs 6.3 crore) and $1.5 million (Rs 9.45 crore) sometime during the next quarter, according to Aditya.

"Zippr is adopting an outreach model. While we have already done the production validation, it is now time to do the validation of our ecosystem (business partnerships). The VC proceeds will be utilised for the same, and to build high-consumer adoption," Aditya said, adding that Zippr would take about three years to achieve operational break-even.

Zippr has so far seen half-a-million interactions (creating a Zippr code, sharing it with others etc). Given the heavy engagement that it is witnessing, it expects to hit a million people and 40 million interactions by the end of this calendar, he said.