BV Capital

Locations:
UUMap- Shanghai
Edushi- Hangzhou

Accurate online maps are an expected convenience these days for busy city dwellers needing to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. Two mapping companies stand out as leaders in a crowded market but each have effectively taken a separate approach to attracting users. UUmap, with a similar interface to Google maps, is a traditional mapping service focused on delivering real time information and directions to users. They have partnered with China Yellowpages to provide the most up-to-date business information and with TA, a leading geographical information research company based out of Europe. The maps are mobile phone friendly and allow users to access the most current public transportation timetables. Given that public transportation is widely used in China’s big cities but unpredictable, this is a popular and much needed service provided by UUMap.

Edushi, with a 3D virtual interface, also focuses on providing mapping services such as location search, directions and public transportation info in addition to empahasizing its virtual community. The site has been introducing interactive concepts since its launch in 2004. As an example, users can blog about a certain location (a hotel in Shanghai) to which other users make comments (like or dislike , surrounding shops, eateries, etc.). They have built an interactive community around mapping and are encouraging users to build their social network through the site. A more in-depth post is here.

While EDushi provides more of the classic web 2.0 elements and a more innovative concept it also struggles with the classic web 2.0 revenue model. They sell “land” on the map to businesses for ads and “cities” to map developers. However, this is a limited source of revenue. UUMap has partnered with mobile service providers to charge monthly subscriptions or one-time fees. Also, a partnership with Nokia allows UUMap to charge a pre-retail installation fee. With the launch of the 3G wireless network later this year, UUMap has nicely positioned itself to capitalize on mobile mapping.