Maps have become an essential part of our daily lives, especially with the convenience of having them on our smartphones. However, what if our maps could be more than just a tool for navigation? Enter PamPam, a platform that aims to revolutionize the way we interact with maps by making them more interactive and fun.
Founded by Helena Jaramillo and Carlo Jörges, PamPam is essentially a Google Maps for communities. The platform allows users to create custom interactive maps, showcasing anything from a map of startups in New York City to a small business directory in Philadelphia. What sets PamPam apart is its incorporation of AI tools that assist users in finding and discovering new places to add to their maps, along with templates to guide them. The platform sources its data from Mapbox and Google Places, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Launched quietly in December 2023, PamPam is the brainchild of Jaramillo and Jörges, who both come from backgrounds in design, productivity startups, and Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook. Inspired by their own experiences of navigating new cities, the couple decided to create a platform that goes beyond traditional map apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps, which are limited in their offerings.
PamPam aims to fill the gap in recommendations and discovery, helping users not only find directions but also decide where to go. By focusing on personalized recommendations and community-driven content, PamPam hopes to create a more engaging and social experience for its users. The platform sees its creators as „community creators,“ who are not only promoting events or places but also building digital communities in real life.
With roots in YouTube ads, the founders of PamPam are already considering monetization options for creators on the platform. In the future, creators could potentially charge followers for access to their maps or collaborate with brands on sponsored content. However, for now, PamPam is focused on building its user base and providing value to everyday people who want to share their favorite places with others.
Despite not having raised venture capital, PamPam has received a $10,000 grant from a local Philadelphia organization and is currently bootstrapped by its founders. The platform is ad-free and experimenting with a freemium model, offering premium subscriptions with additional features for a monthly fee. The goal is to create a sustainable business model that benefits both users and creators alike.
In conclusion, PamPam is reimagining the way we interact with maps, turning them into dynamic and social tools for exploration and discovery. With a focus on community-driven content and personalized recommendations, PamPam is paving the way for a new era of map-based experiences that are both informative and engaging.