• by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, August 19, 2015

There's a huge amount of information online. It's available on Web sites, search engines and social sites. But now companies can tie in real-time offline data through a marketplace spanning more than 120 countries by tapping Findyr's worldwide network of professionals, who collect local data, perform surveys, take photos or capture videos.

Findyr execs describe the company as a cross between an offline search engine and the local service provided by Uber, which built a network of drivers to provide rideshare or private car service. Fyndr's local citizens around the world can typically fulfill requests within 48 hours.

Requests are made through a Web site on desktop or through an iOS or Android mobile app. Many brands, media companies, and businesses are using the service  for market research, as well as physical and product expansion projects, and to identify trends to build consumer price indexes.

The technology validates offline through geospatial, satellite images and more.

Vinci said the company built a recruitment team to fulfill the requests through local social media sites, advertising, universities, job boards, and Findyr's Web site.

Findyr's beta launched in 2014, but it recently closed an additional round of funding, bringing its total to $2.5 million to date.