Season 7, Post 20: dreams.happy.moves
On a recent sunny morning your author had the privilege of sitting down with the co-founder of what3words on the roof terrace of their head office in west London. For those unfamiliar with the business, think of it as the simplest way to talk about location. With its technology (which we have previously profiled here and here), the world is divided into three metre squares, making it the easiest way to find and share exact locations. It felt auspiciously optimistic that the three lettered location of the picnic bench on which we sat was dreams.happy.moves
Over 12 years on from launch, the group’s co-founder and current COO highlighted that “there is plenty that still gets us up in the morning.” Helping to save lives remains an empowering mission for any business. A compelling use-case of the company’s technology is when required to explain to an emergency service the precise place of an accident or crime. Impressively, we learned, a what3words address is searched every second across the UK, while the app is downloaded once every nine seconds. Another compelling use-case highlighted to us was Glastonbury. One-in-three music festival goers used the app last year and the group expects at least similar uptake this time around.
The challenge for the business, of course, remains how to scale most effectively. The debate is less about the quality of the product proposition – for those who do use it, the technology is “deeply embedded ” – and more about how to replicate the success achieved in the UK in other geographies. Efficient allocation of time, money and resource are obviously integral but at a practical level what3words believes that two additional factors could help: growing adoption among small businesses and leveraging AI.
The latter technology was described as both a “game-changer” and as “transformative, when “used well.” The thinking goes that the number of use-cases for the technology of what3words will increase significantly. One cited was optimised route planning for deliveries by logistics businesses. Many businesses wIll find their own specifically beneficial scenarios, per what3words. Expect the formal rollout of AI-enabled solutions during 2025. The technology is also being deployed internally, reducing proof-of-concept time and enabling more efficient work practices. It looks as if we can potentially dream of more happy moves at what3words.
4 June 2025
The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. The author of this piece has a personal direct investment in what3words. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.
Click here to view all Blog posts
Disclaimers
The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.
The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent.
Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected]
Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.
