Proof of Usefulness Report

Whatnot

Analysis completed on 2/2/2026

+640
Proof of Usefulness Score
Category Standard

Whatnot is a verifiable 'unicorn' and market leader in the live-stream shopping space with a valuation exceeding $3.7B and substantial real-world traction. However, the submission itself is of very low quality, containing hyperbolic claims (e.g., audience reach 'everyone', 'most people have used my product') and confusing terminology ('marketcap' vs valuation/revenue). While the project's utility and market position are exceptional (scoring high on Utility, Reach, and Traction), the score is dampened by the lack of technical detail provided and the poor response quality. The evaluation relies heavily on external verification of the domain 'whatnot.com' to validate the business scale.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility2.5)
Audience Reach Impact2.0)
Technical Innovation1.5)
Evidence Of Traction2.5)
Market Timing Relevance1.0)
Functional Completeness0.5)
Subtotal+703.25
Usefulness Multiplierx0.91
Final Score+640

Project Details

Project URL
Description
Whatnot is an online marketplace and community platform that specializes in live-streaming auctions and sales for collectibles, including toys, trading cards, comics, and other pop culture items. The platform allows sellers to host live auctions where buyers can engage in real-time bidding, creating an interactive and dynamic shopping experience. Whatnot aims to connect enthusiasts and collectors with a wide range of unique and rare items, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. The company emphasizes authenticity and trust, ensuring that all transactions are secure and that items are verified for quality and legitimacy.

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