Proof of Usefulness Report

Plana

Analysis completed on 2/17/2026

+70
Proof of Usefulness Score
You're In Business

The submission describes Plana (plana.aero), a legitimate South Korean hybrid eVTOL startup, despite the project name field erroneously stating 'DeepForge'. While the company has verified traction including ~$14M in funding and Letters of Intent (LOIs) for aircraft orders, the submission itself contains significant errors and false claims (e.g., claiming 'most people have used my product' for a pre-commercial prototype). The project has high technical merit and future utility but is currently in the early R&D phase with no active user base.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+20.0
Audience Reach Impact+3.0
Technical Innovation+12.0
Evidence Of Traction+21.0
Market Timing Relevance+5.0
Functional Completeness+0.25
Subtotal+61.25
Usefulness Multiplierx1.15
Final Score+70

Project Details

Project URL
Description
We are approaching an era where civilian vertical take-off and landing aircraft can fly, which has been a long-standing dream of mankind. After the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight in 1903, the current generations will face the greatest paradigm shift in civil aviation history within a decade. In July 2021, PLANA was established by those who dreamed of leading popularization of short-medium range air travel, and aims to create a new and innovative future mobility ecosystem, focusing on the commercialization of nextgeneration aircraft that everybody can trust. Advanced modules must be organically integrated such as distributed electric propulsion(DEP), high-power/capacity battery and hybrid system integration capability, autonomous flight control and avionics (inclusive of ground control, operation, etc.), low noise propulsor design, shape optimization, ultra-light composite material and processing, and humancentered UI/UX, all of which vast infrastructure should also accommodate. Everything in the world except nature is made by someone's imagination. What PLANA currently imagines is "an electrically powered vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft that allows my family and me to board with confidence". One needs courage to overcome numerous trials and errors as well as a willingness to endure fierce internal and external competition, and one will also have a sense of accomplishment and rewards in the process of business and/or technical growth and success step by step. PLANA has already attracted capital at a globally competitive level with passion for these challenges, and invites top-notch and leading developers from all over the world who want to join the best team. PLANA CEO, Braden J. Kim

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