DeCarta
Geospatial software platforms that power internet, mobile, personal navigation, and location-based service applications.
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DeCarta operated as a key enterprise software company in the geospatial and location-based services (LBS) sector, bridging the gap between base map data and end-user applications. Founded in 1996 and initially named Telcontar, the San Jose-based company established itself as a provider of foundational mapping technology. Over its nearly two-decade history, DeCarta raised significant capital, amounting to $90.6 million over seven funding rounds from investors including Cardinal Venture Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, and Mobius Venture Capital.
The company's business focused on providing a robust geospatial software platform that powered a wide range of applications for enterprise clients. Its offerings included core functionalities such as digital maps, turn-by-turn navigation, routing, geocoding, and local search capabilities. DeCarta's technology was designed to be highly customizable, allowing clients to brand their own mapping services and applications. The business model involved licensing its comprehensive platform and APIs to companies that needed to integrate location services into their products, serving clients like TomTom, General Motors' OnStar, and BlackBerry. At one point, even Google Maps utilized Telcontar/deCarta's technology in its initial launch phase.
A significant milestone in the company's trajectory was its acquisition by Uber in March 2015 for an undisclosed amount, marking Uber's first publicly announced acquisition. The strategic purchase was aimed at reducing Uber's reliance on third-party mapping providers like Google and gaining more control over its core technology stack. Uber sought to leverage DeCarta's specialized expertise in routing algorithms and estimated time of arrival (ETA) calculations to enhance its services, particularly for features like UberPOOL. Following the acquisition, DeCarta was set to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber, with the majority of its team, including CEO Kim Fennell, joining the ride-sharing company.
Keywords: geospatial software, location-based services, LBS platform, digital mapping, turn-by-turn navigation, routing algorithms, geocoding, local search API, enterprise mapping, Telcontar, Uber acquisition, connected car technology, map data, fleet tracking, mobile navigation, location intelligence, geospatial platform, GIS software, vehicle tracking, location APIs