Founders

Here's an insider look into startup strategy. We wrote this for investors, but decided why not simplify and share.

DIMO's master plan

Building DIMO, the onchain platform of connected mobility https://dimo.co

STAGE 1: DIMO token
STATUS: Complete

DIMO’s initial user acquisition strategy was simple and effective: basic features and the DIMO token incentivized people to sign up and add their car.

Users dealt with some bumps (wallets, bugs, etc.) but got to be early to a new DePIN. And DIMO got their car connected and their alignment—a solid foundation.

STAGE 2A: App features
STATUS: In progress

The token still plays a key role, but the app is becoming more valuable on its own. 

We optimized onboarding and rewards. Now we're focused on high-value features.

There is no “Spotify” type breakthrough app for cars yet. We are the closest team on the face of the earth to building a breakout, works with any car experience and ecosystem.

Today, we have location, fuel/charging, mileage, DTC (check engine diagnostics), and valuation features.

After that, we’ll add alerts for fuel, speeding, and accidents, AI assistants, maintenance and trip tracking, social features, etc.

You'll need this app.

STAGE 2B: 3rd-party apps
STATUS: In progress

DIMO unlocks new functionality with 3rd party apps.

This mirrors the app store model—independent devs have the tools and incentive to deploy specialized, apps fast.

Insurance, EV charging optimization, social apps, etc. all built by 3rd parties and available to DIMO users. 

This is where user and revenue growth becomes parabolic.

Unlike the app store, these 3rd party apps can be an initial entry point to drive organic user acquisition. 

Developers can embed DIMO in the background and sign up new users directly in a Plaid-like model. Users might not even know (or care) that they're using DIMO.

In simpler terms, today users start with DIMO Mobile and then discover new apps. In the future, users might start with Roil, DLP, etc. and then discover other apps from there. 

This will push DIMO into hyper-growth, with most users onboarding via 3rd party apps.

STAGE 3+
STATUS: Future

DIMO becomes the identity, data, permissions, and payments protocol for all objects, from cars to humanoid robots to people to non-physical AI to toasters. 

We're Amazon starting with books. Too often crypto projects lack a wedge.

So what do you have to believe to believe in DIMO?

1. A universal identity, permissions, payments, and connections to cars and other objects is valuable (particularly essential for IoT and embodied AI).

2. Such a platform is more compelling if it’s scalable, secure, and open protocol. Automakers and governments have validated this with both their words and actions.

3. Devs will build apps for these cars and we can get the same car connected to multiple apps (the average smartphone has 80+ apps installed).

Thank you for coming to my ted talk