Proof of Usefulness Report

Niantic

Analysis completed on 1/26/2026

+540
Proof of Usefulness Score
Industry Mainstay

Niantic is a verified titan in the AR industry (valuation ~$9B), exceeding the 'Much Larger Scale' calibration threshold. However, the submission quality was exceptionally poor, with vague claims like 'everyone' for audience and missing user metrics. The score reflects the undeniable real-world utility and massive traction of products like Pokémon GO, significantly penalized by the lack of specific evidence in the application itself.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+142.5
Audience Reach Impact+95.0
Technical Innovation+85.5
Evidence Of Traction+125.0
Market Timing Relevance+40.0
Functional Completeness+2.5
Subtotal+490.5
Usefulness Multiplierx1.1
Final Score+540

Project Details

Project URL
Description
Niantic is the world’s leading AR technology company, sparking creative and engaging journeys in the real world. Our products inspire outdoor exploration, exercise, and meaningful social interaction.\n\nOriginally formed at Google in 2011, we became an independent company in 2015 with a strong group of investors including Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Alsop Louie Partners. Our current titles include pioneering global-control game Ingress, and record-breaking AR game Pokémon GO, and recently released third title, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. \n\nNiantic is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We believe that cultivating a workplace where our people are supported and included is essential to creating great products our community will love. Our mission emphasizes seeking and hiring diverse voices, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry, and we consider this to be one of the most important values we hold close.\n \nWe're a hard-working, fun, and exciting group who value intellectual curiosity and a passion for problem-solving! We have growing offices located in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Bellevue, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hamburg, London, and Zurich.

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