Helpr
Building a verified services marketplace for planned communities
Thesis
Planned residential communities (5,000+ homes) have concentrated demand for local services but no trusted discovery mechanism. Residents rely on Facebook groups and word of mouth. Can an AI-operated, trust-verified marketplace work at community scale?
Research Methodology
327-citation research base spanning community commerce, trust mechanisms, local marketplace dynamics, and background verification systems. 6 Gemini Deep Research reports covering market sizing, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, and go-to-market playbooks. Interviews with HOA board members, residents, and service providers in Briar Chapel, NC.
Findings
The unit economics work at 2,000+ households. The key insight: residents don't want another app — they want a trusted recommendation from a neighbor. The marketplace needs to feel like a community directory, not a platform. Background verification is table stakes, not a differentiator.
Status
Research complete. Design phase for MVP. Targeting Briar Chapel as first community.