Proof of Usefulness Report

Modernize

Analysis completed on 2/8/2026

+678
Proof of Usefulness Score
Category Standard

Modernize.com is a substantial, established business in the home improvement lead generation sector, founded in 2005 and acquired by QuinStreet in 2020 (valued around $67.5M, matching the input 'marketcap' data). The project demonstrates high real-world utility and massive reach, touching millions of homeowners. However, the submission quality was low, with hyperbolic claims ('everyone', 'most people') and conflicting name fields ('SwiftShade'), which negatively impacted the Response Quality and Audience Reach quality factors. Despite the poor submission form, the verifiable underlying business metrics justify a high score within the 'Much larger scale' calibration range.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+225.0
Audience Reach Impact+136.0
Technical Innovation+90.0
Evidence Of Traction+190.0
Market Timing Relevance+80.0
Functional Completeness+7.5
Subtotal+728.5
Usefulness Multiplierx0.93
Final Score+678

Project Details

Project URL
modernize.com
Description
Here at Modernize, we’ve set out to create a fresh experience to connect contractors with homeowners looking to upgrade their home. Today we focus primarily on energy efficiency upgrades like solar panels, windows and roofing. Built on the strong foundation of Home Improvement Leads over the past 10 years, we work with the most professional contractors in the country, and touch millions of homeowners each year. The Modernize Team Our team is based right in the heart of downtown Austin, TX on Congress where we get to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer -- the amazing technology startup scene, SXSW, live music, fantastic restaurants, and best of all, the great people of Austin. We're looking for individuals who will thrive in our dynamic start-up environment. Those who enjoy using creativity to solve problems, and can work as part of a team, will thrive in our environment. It sounds cliché but at Modernize.com we work hard and play hard.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
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