Raphaël Daguenet

Co-founder of PlaceKit, the geocoding API that succeeded Algolia Places

@raphidev32 followersDeveloper Tools SaaS Founders

Raphaël Daguenet at a glance

Known for: PlaceKit
Active products: PlaceKit

Facts checked 2026-10-08

About Raphaël Daguenet

Raphaël Daguenet, who goes by Raphi online, is a software engineer with more than a decade of experience in startups as both an individual contributor and a team manager. Raphi spent six years at the search company Algolia, serving as the lead engineer on Algolia Places, a popular address autocomplete service.

When Algolia sunset Places, they decided to carry the idea forward themself. Together with former Algolia colleague Nicolas Torres, Raphi co-founded PlaceKit, a worldwide geocoding and address autocomplete API that combines OpenStreetMap, local datasets and the Algolia engine to return results in under 50 milliseconds. They launched it publicly with a Show HN post in May 2023.

PlaceKit offers autocomplete, store locator and two-way geocoding through a single REST API with transparent per-request pricing and a free tier of 10,000 requests a month, plus lightweight JavaScript libraries the founders wrote from scratch. The company describes itself as independent and focused on simplicity, efficiency and quality.

Products by Raphaël Daguenet

PlaceKit

placekit.io

Worldwide address autocomplete and geocoding API with per-request pricing and 10,000 free requests a month.

Builds indie alternatives to:Google Maps Platform

Timeline

2023 — Launched PlaceKit with co-founder Nicolas Torres as a successor to Algolia Places.

How Raphaël builds

Make products look simple, because usability defines quality.
Use efficient tools to stay independent.
Never let business trump quality; build the service you would want to buy.

Raphaël Daguenet FAQ

Who is Raphaël Daguenet?

Raphaël Daguenet, who goes by Raphi online, is a software engineer with more than a decade of experience in startups as both an individual contributor and a team manager.