Proof of Usefulness Report

Smile

Analysis completed on 1/30/2026

+338
Proof of Usefulness Score
Certified Problem Solver

Smile API is a verified Seed-stage fintech company (raised ~$3M from DEG, Plug and Play) providing employment data infrastructure in Southeast Asia. While the submission quality was poor (hyperbolic claims of 'everyone' using it, missing financial specifics), external due diligence confirms legitimate traction, including banking partnerships and awards (KMC Startup Awards). The project has high real-world utility for financial inclusion, addressing the lack of credit data in the region. The score reflects strong market timing and utility, penalized by the lazy submission and exaggerated reach claims.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+21.25
Audience Reach Impact+6.30
Technical Innovation+10.50
Evidence Of Traction+24.00
Market Timing Relevance+9.00
Functional Completeness+0.25
Subtotal+71.3
Usefulness Multiplierx1.01
Final Score+338

Project Details

Project URL
Description
Smile provides employment data across platforms and employers, all through a single API

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