# MapsWithMe

> Swiss software company

**Wikidata**: [Q119726560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119726560)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mapswithme

## Summary
MapsWithMe was a Swiss software company founded by Belarusian programmer Yury Melnichek. It was known for developing offline map applications and was merged into VK in November 2014.

## Key Facts
- **Legal name**: MapsWithMe GmbH
- **Country of operation**: Switzerland
- **Founded by**: Yury Melnichek (Belarusian businessperson, programmer, and investor)
- **Legal form**: Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (limited liability company)
- **Headquarters**: Zurich
- **Work location**: Minsk
- **Named after**: MAPS.ME (its flagship product)
- **Merged into**: VK in November 2014
- **Dissolved date**: November 2014

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded MapsWithMe?
A: MapsWithMe was founded by Yury Melnichek, a Belarusian programmer, businessperson, and investor.

### Q: Where was MapsWithMe headquartered?
A: MapsWithMe had its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

### Q: What was MapsWithMe known for?
A: MapsWithMe was known for developing offline map applications, particularly its flagship product MAPS.ME.

### Q: When was MapsWithMe dissolved?
A: MapsWithMe was dissolved in November 2014, after being merged into VK.

### Q: What was the legal structure of MapsWithMe?
A: MapsWithMe operated as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (limited liability company).

## Why It Matters
MapsWithMe played a significant role in the offline mapping software industry by providing users with access to detailed maps without requiring an internet connection. Its flagship product, MAPS.ME, was particularly notable for its ability to function offline, making it a valuable tool for travelers and adventurers in areas with limited or no connectivity. The company's dissolution in 2014 marked the end of an era for standalone offline mapping solutions, as its assets were absorbed by VK. Despite its short lifespan, MapsWithMe contributed to the evolution of mobile mapping technology by demonstrating the feasibility and utility of offline map applications.

## Notable For
- **Offline mapping**: Pioneered the development of offline map applications, a niche that became increasingly valuable as internet connectivity became less reliable.
- **Founder's background**: Founded by Yury Melnichek, a Belarusian programmer with a background in software development and investment.
- **Merger with VK**: Its dissolution in 2014 marked the end of its independent existence, as it was merged into VK, a major Russian social networking and media platform.
- **Headquarters in Zurich**: Operated from Zurich, Switzerland, reflecting its international presence despite its founder's Belarusian roots.
- **Limited liability structure**: Operated as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, a common legal form for software companies in Switzerland.

## Body
### Origins and Founding
MapsWithMe was established by Yury Melnichek, a Belarusian programmer, businessperson, and investor. The company was based in Zurich, Switzerland, and operated as a limited liability company under Swiss law.

### Product and Technology
The company's primary product was MAPS.ME, an offline map application that allowed users to access detailed maps without an internet connection. This feature was particularly valuable for travelers and adventurers in areas with limited or no connectivity.

### Dissolution and Legacy
In November 2014, MapsWithMe was dissolved and merged into VK, a major Russian social networking and media platform. The merger marked the end of MapsWithMe's independent existence, but its contributions to the offline mapping industry were significant. The company's dissolution highlighted the challenges faced by standalone software companies in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

### Legal and Operational Details
MapsWithMe was named after its flagship product, MAPS.ME, and operated primarily from its headquarters in Zurich. Its work location was Minsk, Belarus, reflecting its founder's origins. The company's legal structure was a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, a common form for limited liability companies in Switzerland.