Hivemapper, the decentralized mapping network built on Solana, just dropped some major news that's buzzing in the crypto space. In a recent thread on X, they announced a strategic investment from Solana Ventures as part of their latest funding raise. This isn't just about cash—it's a vote of confidence in Hivemapper's vision for decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePIN for short. DePIN projects use blockchain to crowdsource real-world hardware like sensors or cameras, rewarding contributors with tokens.

The thread kicks off by highlighting Hivemapper's journey from zero to powering big names like Volkswagen, Lyft, NBC, and Mapbox. They've mapped 36% of the global road network—that's over 650 million road kilometers—with fresh, community-driven data. Now, with Solana Ventures on board, they're scaling globally alongside Solana Mobile.

One of the highlights is the launch of a new Request for Proposals (RFP) program in collaboration with Solana Mobile. This initiative will fund projects building on the Hivemapper network, starting with the @weareherefun app. This app uses Hivemapper for real-time photo verification, blending crypto mobile tech with location services. It's a perfect example of how DePIN can create practical, everyday applications.

Solana Ventures' involvement underscores their commitment to decentralized infrastructure. As Hivemapper puts it, their belief "runs deep," building on years of support. This partnership could supercharge Hivemapper's $HONEY token economy, where mappers earn rewards for contributing data via dashcams or other devices.

For blockchain enthusiasts, this is a reminder of Solana's edge in high-speed, low-cost transactions, making it ideal for DePIN projects. If you're into meme tokens or broader crypto plays, keep an eye on $HONEY—it ties into the bee-themed ecosystem and could see more burn mechanisms as adoption grows.

Check out the full thread for all the details: Hivemapper's announcement on X. With enterprise clients already on board and fresh funding, Hivemapper is positioning itself as a leader in reshaping how we map the world through blockchain.