PROJECT88
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The idea for Hypercars came to us because we were spending a lot of time research rapidly-changing consumer preferences, market trends, and car valuations while buying and selling cars ourselves. We realized that there was no comprehensive source of truth when it comes to data and that this was a gap we can bridge using technology.
Using our experience building software and managing large datasets, we are helping the automotive market flourish in ways never imagined.
Hypercars
2024 - hypercars.io
A Product of Our Own Pastime
Hypercars provides intelligence for the automotive market. We aggregate listings and transactions and transform
our dataset into useful insights and tools for consumers and businesses. We help our
users discover hidden gems and make data-driven decisions whether they are selling or buying.
The idea for Hypercars came to us because we were spending a lot of time research rapidly-changing consumer preferences, market trends, and car valuations while buying and selling cars ourselves. We realized that there was no comprehensive source of truth when it comes to data and that this was a gap we can bridge using technology.
Using our experience building software and managing large datasets, we are helping the automotive market flourish in ways never imagined.
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In parallel with the Track Manual website, we built a community of grassroot racers via Discord to share track and autocross knowledge.
Track Manual is the resource we wish we had when we attended our first track days as novices. What was a community guide became a prominent internet resource, reaching top search engine results for subjects like the best brake fluid.
TRACK MANUAL
2022 - trackmanual.com
The Motorsports Guide We Wish We Had
Track Manual makes motorsports more accessible by providing a
comprehensive tutorial on how to start auto racing, including detailed info on different racetracks,
how to find events, how to prepare your car, and track insurance. Since inception, it has helped
thousands of motorsport participants worldwide.
In parallel with the Track Manual website, we built a community of grassroot racers via Discord to share track and autocross knowledge.
Track Manual is the resource we wish we had when we attended our first track days as novices. What was a community guide became a prominent internet resource, reaching top search engine results for subjects like the best brake fluid.
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Influenced by video games and web3, we built an interface for users to determine the rarity of different configurations of Porsche 911s. Rarity is determined using production statistics and a formula popularized by NFTs, which calculates the weighted rarity of individual characteristics compared to the total population.
When a user looks up a 911 configuration, we also populate the page with live and completed auctions of Porsche 911s with that configuration.
PORSCHE RARITY
2023 - vaulted
Rarified Air
Porsche Rarity is an interactive tool that helps users determine a Porsche 911's rarity.
Rarity is heavily valued and debated in car communities. A different combination of color,
transmission, and wheels may translate to a $50k+ difference between 2 cars with virtually
the same MSRP.
Influenced by video games and web3, we built an interface for users to determine the rarity of different configurations of Porsche 911s. Rarity is determined using production statistics and a formula popularized by NFTs, which calculates the weighted rarity of individual characteristics compared to the total population.
When a user looks up a 911 configuration, we also populate the page with live and completed auctions of Porsche 911s with that configuration.
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PROJECT88
Project88 is our vessel to experiment at the intersection of car culture, motorsports, and technology.
From startups, tech giants, and the racetrack, we draw upon our diverse experience to craft unique
products and experiences.
The Team
Kent Makishima
Kent didn't know at the time that a simple 5-speed Mazda3 would captivate him for life.
He saw cars as an extension of a person's character, a creative canvas that can be
made his own through wrenching and questionable upgrades.
The Mazda3 became a Miata as his love of JDM cars and culture grew. However, a ride in a Mercedes SL opened a new world of European motoring, which, years later, he fused with the JDM spirit in his heavily-modified Porsche 911.
Professionally, Kent's journey was not your typical track. He started multiple companies and found success in crypto and web3 at giants like Animoca Brands. He built expertise in designing innovative user experiences, unraveling digital consumer behaviors, and experimenting with emerging technologies.
The Mazda3 became a Miata as his love of JDM cars and culture grew. However, a ride in a Mercedes SL opened a new world of European motoring, which, years later, he fused with the JDM spirit in his heavily-modified Porsche 911.
Professionally, Kent's journey was not your typical track. He started multiple companies and found success in crypto and web3 at giants like Animoca Brands. He built expertise in designing innovative user experiences, unraveling digital consumer behaviors, and experimenting with emerging technologies.
Michael Deng
Michael first realized he was into cars when he was taking the train to high school.
He would often find himself gazing at the freeway, trying to name the make and model
of every car that zoomed past. He wouldn't feel satisfied until he got every single
one right.
Over the next decade, he bought and sold many cars, developed an interest in beemers, totaled his favorite one on the track, and never stopped dreaming about one day shaking up the car world.
Professionally, Michael led the LP and automation engineering teams at AngelList Venture, founded a hardware startup, was a tech lead and PM at Slack, and wrote software for Uber. He's incredibly excited about Project88, an experimental testing ground for products that live at the nexus of car culture and tech.
Over the next decade, he bought and sold many cars, developed an interest in beemers, totaled his favorite one on the track, and never stopped dreaming about one day shaking up the car world.
Professionally, Michael led the LP and automation engineering teams at AngelList Venture, founded a hardware startup, was a tech lead and PM at Slack, and wrote software for Uber. He's incredibly excited about Project88, an experimental testing ground for products that live at the nexus of car culture and tech.