Fantasmo.io

Fantasmo.io operates at the intersection of mapping, mobility, and autonomous systems, providing a camera-based positioning technology that serves as a high-precision alternative to GPS. Founded in 2014 by Jameson Detweiler and Dr. Ryan Measel, the company initially explored augmented reality gaming before pivoting to address the critical need for accurate location services in dense urban environments. Detweiler, a serial entrepreneur with experience from ventures like LaunchRock, and Dr. Measel, who holds a PhD, combined their expertise to build "maps for machines."

The core of Fantasmo's business is its Camera Positioning System (CPS), which creates centimeter-level accurate 3D maps of cities. This process involves walking city streets to capture ground-level imagery, which is then processed to build a detailed visual map. Unlike GPS, which can be inaccurate in urban canyons due to signal bounce, Fantasmo's CPS determines an object's position by comparing camera footage against this pre-existing 3D map, achieving accuracy within 20 centimeters. This technology is particularly valuable for the micromobility sector—its primary client base—which includes operators of e-scooters and e-bikes. These clients use Fantasmo's system to enforce designated parking zones and prevent sidewalk riding, solving major logistical and regulatory challenges. When a rider ends a trip, they scan the area with their phone's camera; the app then confirms if they are in an approved parking spot before allowing the ride to be completed.

The business model centers on providing this mapping and positioning service to clients like micromobility operators. Fantasmo manages the entire mapping project for a city on behalf of its clients. A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by TIER Mobility, a leading European shared micro-mobility provider, in March 2022. This acquisition followed a close partnership where TIER had successfully implemented Fantasmo's technology in Paris and other European cities to improve parking compliance. Following the acquisition, Fantasmo's team and technology were integrated into TIER to continue expanding the precise parking system and to develop future computer vision-powered rider assistance systems.

Keywords: Camera Positioning System, 3D maps, micromobility, visual positioning, GPS alternative, augmented reality mapping, robotics navigation, autonomous systems, scooter parking solution, location-based services, urban mapping, computer vision, geospatial data, AR gaming, decentralized maps, indoor mapping, outdoor mapping, fleet management, smart city technology, last-mile logistics, rider assistance systems, TIER Mobility, Jameson Detweiler, Ryan Measel