Masternaut
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telematics |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Serge Deleau |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom and France |
Key people | Martin Port (CEO), Martin Hiscox (Chairman) |
| Products | Masternaut Connect (enterprise-grade SaaS platform), telematics hardware and software solutions |
Number of employees | 400 |
| Parent | Michelin |
Masternaut Limited operates as a telematics firm focused on managing fleets and assets. Under the leadership of CEO Martin Port and Chairman Martin Hiscox, the company gained recognition as a 2015 UK Government Future 50 Tech Company and earned multiple placements in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list highlighting the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK. In April 2011, Masternaut combined forces with its former AIM-listed rival Cybit, continuing business under the Masternaut brand. Ownership transitioned through acquisitions by Summit Partners and Fleetcor from Francisco Partners in 2014, and currently, Masternaut functions as a subsidiary of Michelin. The company employs approximately 400 staff members across its operations in the United Kingdom and France.
History
Established in 1996 by Serge Deleau in France under the name SDM, the business adopted the Masternaut identity in 2012 during Martin Hiscox’s tenure, supported by Francisco Partners. In 2013, Masternaut expanded by acquiring Three X, a mobile workforce software provider formerly part of GE.
Cybit, once a competitor managed by CEO Richard Horsman, grew through several acquisitions including Thales Telematics, Amatics, and German logistics telematics firm Truck24 for €4 million. Francisco Partners took Cybit private in 2009 with a £23 million deal; during this period, Cybit also purchased Oxloc, which specialises in tracking non-powered assets. Simultaneously, Masternaut acquired Fibre-City, a hosting and data services company, for £6 million.
In 2011, supported by Francisco Partners and led by CEO Bill Henry alongside Chairman Martin Hiscox, Masternaut merged with Cybit in a transaction valued at £100 million. This created Europe’s largest telematics solutions provider, serving a client base exceeding 10,000 across 32 countries. Nonetheless, Berg Insight reported that from 2015 onwards, Masternaut experienced market share declines due to competition. Despite this challenge, the company remains the largest telematics provider within the UK and is integrated into FleetCor’s fleet solutions offerings.
In 2012, Masternaut entered into a partnership with Telefonica, involving a contract worth $910 million extending through to 2020. Additionally, it maintains collaborative relationships with SwissCom and various specialised fleet service providers.
The ownership structure shifted in 2014 when Francisco Partners sold Masternaut to Summit Partners and Fleetcor Technologies. Dhruv S. Parekh assumed the role of CEO in 2015.
Following the merger, Masternaut launched its enterprise-grade SaaS platform named Masternaut Connect, which has sustained annual growth rates between 25% and 30%. The product portfolio broadened to feature a driver-focused mobile application, dedicated cold chain telematics solutions, and plug-and-play hardware devices. Collaborations with vehicle manufacturers such as Vauxhall, PSA, and Renault, along with leasing partners including Fraikin, Petit Forestier, and Lex, expanded market penetration. Customer satisfaction metrics improved markedly, demonstrated by an increase of over +50 points in global Net Promoter Score (NPS) from 2017 through early 2019.
In 2018, Masternaut undertook a rebranding initiative introducing a new logo and adopting the tagline the unseen advantage, emphasizing its expertise in harnessing fleet data to drive cost efficiencies and operational enhancements. A dedicated data science division was formed to deliver customised analytics based on client needs and industry insights.
In 2019, Michelin acquired Masternaut as part of its strategic move to broaden its footprint in fleet telematics. This acquisition complements Michelin’s existing telematics activities across North and South America by providing entry into the European market.
Technology
Masternaut delivers telematics solutions utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to monitor the positions of vehicles and assets. Information is sent through GPRS and GSM cellular networks to Masternaut's data centers and their proprietary software platform, Masternaut Connect, allowing clients to view fleet information instantly.
CAN, OBD, and 12V cigarette lighter port
Fleets are connected by Masternaut using various interfaces including CAN bus, OBD port, and 12V cigarette lighter socket, enabling seamless integration of diverse vehicle types. Their exclusive CAN clip provides the most immediate data with minimal disruption, whereas the OBD-II device facilitates straightforward installation. The 12V cigarette lighter unit supports easy plug-and-play setup, maintaining driver confidentiality.