Proof of Usefulness Report

Semafor

Analysis completed on 2/16/2026

+304
Proof of Usefulness Score
Certified Problem Solver

Semafor is a recognized, high-utility global news platform with significant verified traction ($30M+ funding, millions of visitors) and market relevance. However, the submission itself is of extremely low quality, featuring hyperbolic claims ('everyone', 'most people'), incorrect data (2018 launch vs 2022 reality), and zero supporting evidence. The score reflects the strong underlying utility and verified market position of the entity, heavily penalized by the lack of effort and documentation in the submission.

Ready to Compete for $150k+ in Prizes?

Move this data into a HackerNoon blog draft to become eligible for your share of $150k+ in cash and software prizes

View All Reports

Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+112.5
Audience Reach Impact+64.0
Technical Innovation+33.75
Evidence Of Traction+63.75
Market Timing Relevance+45.0
Functional Completeness+1.25
Subtotal+320.25
Usefulness Multiplierx0.95
Final Score+304

Project Details

Project URL
semafor.com
Description
The world’s first news platform designed to meet the moment we are in. Providing an unparalleled level of journalistic transparency, cutting through the noise of the news cycle with smart, distilled views and exploring competing perspectives across borders for a curious, global audience. Sign up for our newsletters:

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