P97 Networks

High-Level Overview

P97 Networks is a software development company offering a global, cloud-based mobility services platform that enables mobile commerce, digital marketing, and consumer engagement for convenience retail, utilities, energy companies, automotive OEMs, and fuels/EV sectors.[1][2][3] The platform supports mobile payments, loyalty programs, and personalized marketing at over 65,000 retail and fuels sites worldwide, including 240,000+ EV chargers, serving 137 million daily commuters and generating over $1B in revenue.[1][3] It powers seamless transactions for major brands like CITGO, ExxonMobil, and Shell, enhancing operational efficiency and customer retention in a mobile-first world.[2][5] Acquired by PDI Technologies in April 2025, P97 now integrates into a broader ecosystem for omnichannel experiences across connected devices.[2][5]

Origin Story

Founded in 2012 in Houston, Texas, P97 Networks emerged from recognizing gaps in the fueling experience: pay-at-the-pump improved convenience but hurt convenience store traffic and engagement.[2][7] Led by CEO and Founder Donald Frieden, the executive team—including COO Bryan Olivier, CTO Matthew Calamatta, CRO Bryan Haynes, and others with expertise in tech, finance, operations, and sales—built a platform to reconnect consumers with retailers via mobile tech.[1][2] Early traction came from integrations with top fuel brands and innovations in fleet, connected cars, and EV charging, culminating in awards like Frost & Sullivan's 2018 North American Technology Innovation Award and Shell's 2019 Partner of the Year.[7] The company raised $131.45M across funding rounds before its April 2025 acquisition by PDI Technologies, marking a pivotal evolution.[2][5]

Core Differentiators

• Dual Support for Traditional and EV Mobility: Handles fuel payments alongside EV charging at scale across 240,000+ chargers, bridging legacy and emerging energy transitions.[1][2]
• Unified Connected Commerce Ecosystem: Integrates identity, geolocation, and mobile tech to link retailers, energy providers, OEMs, and consumers for payments, loyalty, and marketing in one platform.[1][3][6]
• Seamless Integrations and Partnerships: Works with any existing tech, powers apps for brands like Phillips 66, and partners like Cybersource for secure, frictionless payments and fraud management.[6][7]
• Proven Scale and Awards: Trusted at 70,000+ sites by global brands, with accolades including Houston Business Journal's Fast 100 (14th place) and Best Mobile Interactive Customer Experience Award.[3][7]
• Data-Driven Engagement: Delivers real-time insights, personalized experiences, and omnichannel capabilities post-acquisition, extending to wearables and vehicle infotainment.[5][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

P97 Networks rides the mobility commerce wave, fueled by EV adoption, connected vehicles, and contactless payments amid rising consumer demand for seamless, personalized digital interactions.[1][2][5] Its timing aligns with market shifts: global EV charger growth, fleet electrification, and post-pandemic mobile-first retail, where traditional fuel retailers need digital tools to compete.[1][4] Favorable forces include regulatory pushes for emissions reduction and 5G-enabled geolocation for precise engagement, positioning P97 to unify fragmented ecosystems.[3][6] By enabling $1B+ in revenue and serving 137M commuters, it influences convenience retail's digital pivot, accelerating innovation for OEMs and energy firms while complementing PDI's POS and cybersecurity expansions.[3][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Post-acquisition, P97 will expand via PDI's investments in omnichannel payments for wearables, infotainment, and fleet solutions, targeting deeper automotive and EV penetration.[5] Trends like vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity and AI-driven personalization will propel growth, potentially scaling to millions more connected devices amid rising sustainable mobility demands.[2][5] Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem backbone, powering frictionless commerce as daily commuters increasingly blend fuel, EV, and in-car transactions—transforming how brands capture loyalty in a hyper-mobile world.[1][3]