Proof of Usefulness Report

Dark Data Group

Analysis completed on 2/26/2026

+33
Proof of Usefulness Score
You're In Business

Dark Data Group is a verifiable boutique Industrial IoT consultancy based in Chicago with real case studies (e.g., construction sensors). However, the project submission is severely compromised by demonstrably false claims ('most people have used my product', audience 'everyone') and misused financial metrics ('all time marketcap: 500000', likely total lifetime revenue). While the core service offering is legitimate, the lack of verifiable scale, the low revenue-to-headcount ratio ($500k over ~5 years for 6 people), and the deceptive nature of the traction evidence result in a low Proof of Usefulness score.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+17.5
Audience Reach Impact+0.5
Technical Innovation+6.0
Evidence Of Traction+1.25
Market Timing Relevance+5.0
Functional Completeness+1.0
Subtotal+31.25
Usefulness Multiplierx1.05
Final Score+33

Project Details

Project URL
Description
We design, architect, and implement robust Industrial IoT Solutions. Dark Data Group combines experts in vertical specific domain expertise with IoT and Software engineers. This diverse team allows us to quickly and efficiently deploy solutions for our customers. Our team has worked in many industrial industries: Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Transportation, Mining, Rail, DoD, and Construction. We can help your company build your IoT Solution from concept to production. Our Services: Architecture Review Receive a blueprint for your companies digital transformation. Dark Data Group will create a plan to implement your companies IoT solution, or help you ideate on ways you can use IoT technology to enhance your business. Prototyping Dark Data Group will craft Physical solution prototypes in our lab to suit your specifications. This includes on device software programming as well as a web application interface. These end-to-end proof of concepts will serve to prove out your use case, test the ROI, and the ultimate value of investing in innovation. Pilot Physical device hardware and software will be optimized for large scale deployments. Working with 3rd party manufacturing partners we will get your solution ready for mass production. Dataset as a Service (DaaS) Dark Data Group also provides a new service called Dataset as a Service (DaaS). You provide us with an IoT dataset of your dreams and we create the needed hardware and software to capture that data. We than provide you an API to stream that data into your business's application to power your workflows. Dark Data Group makes getting IoT data seamless.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Growing utility with room for optimization
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline