SkyBitz

SkyBitz

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions, Asset tracking
Predecessor	Eagle Eye Technologies
Founded	1993 in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, United States
Founder	Matthew Schor
Headquarters	Herndon, Virginia , United States
Area served	North America, global (via Iridium satellite network)
Key people	Henry Popplewell (Senior VP and General Manager), Doug Milner (CEO of parent company Telular)
Products	Real-time asset tracking and monitoring systems, GLS technology, GPS devices, sensors, SaaS asset monitoring solutions
Owner	Avista Capital Partners (via Telular Corporation)
Parent	Telular Corporation

SkyBitz is a United States-based enterprise located in Herndon, Virginia, focused on machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions designed for the tracking and oversight of mobile assets. Operating as a subsidiary of Telular Corporation—which is under the ownership of private equity firm Avista Capital Partners—SkyBitz provides real-time analytics and decision-support systems for organizations managing non-powered assets such as tractor-trailers, intermodal containers, railcars, heavy machinery, and sensitive cargo including Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E). Their asset monitoring offerings follow a software as a service (SaaS) framework, catering to sectors like commercial transportation, military operations, and public safety. The company's acquisition of Reltima and GPS North America in 2015 broadened its reach into the local fleet management arena.

Overview

Established in 1993 originally as Eagle Eye Technologies within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, SkyBitz developed the patented Global Locating System (GLS) through funding from DARPA and the U.S. Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Distinct from conventional GPS technology, GLS centralizes location computations at an operations hub rather than relying solely on satellite data processing. The company adopted the SkyBitz name and launched its GLS technology commercially in 2002.

By 2007, SkyBitz had secured a customer base exceeding 400 across North America and expanded its product line significantly, gaining accolades such as inclusion in the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Fast 500 lists for rapid business expansion. In December 2012, Telular Corporation purchased SkyBitz for $42 million. Under a year later, Avista Capital Partners acquired Telular at a premium of 31%. SkyBitz continues to operate from its headquarters near Washington, D.C., functioning as a fully owned subsidiary of Telular.

The company maintains its use of GLS technology alongside a broad array of GPS devices and sensors compatible with satellite and GSM/GPRS networks. In 2014, SkyBitz earned the M2M Evolution Magazine Product of the Year Award for advancements in asset management innovation. That same year marked the introduction of a subscription-based pricing model that consolidates hardware and service charges into one monthly fee—transitioning away from traditional capital expenditure plus ongoing service fees to deliver enhanced value to clients.

Research and development

Matthew Schor founded the organization in 1992 under the name Eagle Eye Location Services Corp. The company received its initial SBIR award from DARPA in July 1994 for developing a "Miniature, Affordable Satellite Beacon." In November 1995, it changed its name to Eagle Eye Technologies, Inc., securing a $500,000 DARPA contract aimed at miniaturizing the radio frequency front end of its satellite tag transceiver. By 1997, funding from the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology enabled collaboration with Virginia Tech on further technological advancements.

In 1998, contracts from the United States Air Force supported efforts to downsize the tracking system and optimize power efficiency. Key patents underpinning SkyBitz’s technology were granted to chief scientist Mark Sullivan and vice president James Kilfeather, while CTO Jay Brosius directed the development of communications protocols based on Slotted Aloha.

In October 1998, World Wireless Communications partnered with Eagle Eye to develop a prototype mobile terminal utilizing Global Locating System (GLS) technology. Demonstrations employed the MSAT geostationary satellite constructed by Hughes Space and Electronics (now Boeing). In July 2000, Zero Gravity Venture Partners led a Series A funding round. Despite setbacks following the events of September 11th, the company progressed with product development through Solectron manufacturing and introduced web-based services. Early trials by customers such as Landstar involved testing 500 units successfully, confirming market viability and attracting additional investment ahead of the official product launch in 2002.

Commercial launch

At the beginning of 2002, SkyBitz appointed Michael Fitzgerald as CEO, bringing experience from his tenure at Federal Express. The company introduced its GLS technology and secured $18 million in Series B financing, led by AIG Highstar Capital and Cordova Ventures. Advisory support for the commercial launch was provided by Helen Bentley & Associates. In January 2003, Landstar System, a leading U.S. transportation company, became an early adopter of the service.

Throughout 2003, SkyBitz broadened its manufacturing collaboration with Solectron, which encompassed product launches, test development, PCB design, and terminal housing production. The Transportation Security Administration awarded the company a $1 million grant to deploy GLS technology at the Port of Long Beach. CEO Matthew Schor discussed port security challenges during an MSNBC interview. Concurrently, Eagle Eye Technologies secured a contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to conduct communication studies in support of its objectives.

Andy Wood succeeded Fitzgerald as CEO in early 2003. In January 2004, Inverness Capital and Motorola jointly contributed $16 million during a Series C funding round. By April 2004, following Wood’s exit, CFO Rick Burtner took over as CEO. In 2005, SkyBitz expanded its transportation clientele with companies such as R&R Trucking and Quality Distribution and earned recognition as a "2005 Future 50" technology firm by SmartCEO Magazine for its strategic expansion.

In 2006, the company unveiled smart sensor tracking solutions designed to improve trailer utilization and security measures. That year, SkyBitz was honored as a “Rising Star” in Deloitte & Touche’s Virginia Technology Fast 50 program and was selected as the official tracking provider for transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Bob Blair joined the organization as CFO during this period.

February 2007 marked a $10 million investment round led by CIBC Capital Partners. In October of that year, Homaira Akbari took over as CEO from Burtner. By the end of 2007, SkyBitz served more than 400 customers across North America and introduced new offerings including cargo sensors and tractor/trailer identification systems. The company received several accolades such as inclusion in Inc. 500, Deloitte Wireless Fast 50, Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and Heavy Duty Trucking’s Nifty Fifty Award.

Expansion

In January 2009, SkyBitz collaborated with research firm CSMG—the strategy division of TMNG Global—to publish findings quantifying the advantages of remote asset management. By April 2009, SkyBitz extended its sales operations into Canada through a partnership with ELM Technologies and gained recognition from DARPA for its technological innovations.

Later that year, SkyBitz launched a terrestrial tracking solution utilizing Kore Networks infrastructure, achieved Defense Transportation Tracking System II (DTTS) certification from the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Commands (SDDC), and rolled out asset tracking software tailored for trailer leasing companies. In 2010, it established a strategic alliance with Iridium Communications Inc., culminating in the introduction of a global Iridium-based tracking solution by 2012.

This swift growth resulted in SkyBitz being listed on the Inc. 5000 rankings for five consecutive years (2007–2011). In December 2012, Telular Corporation—under CEO Joseph Beatty—acquired SkyBitz for $42 million (comprising $35 million cash and $7 million stock), expanding Telular’s size by approximately 70% and creating the largest dedicated asset tracking company worldwide. Henry Popplewell, previously Senior VP of Sales at SkyBitz, was promoted to Senior VP and General Manager of the division. The following year, private equity firm Avista Capital Partners purchased Telular at a 31% premium; Doug Milner was appointed CEO.

In 2013, SkyBitz launched a customized cellular product that garnered two M2M Evolution magazine awards recognizing innovation and excellence in asset tracking. In 2014, the company introduced a subscription-based purchasing model that eliminated upfront hardware expenses—a notable transformation within transportation and logistics technology markets. Early adopters included U.S. XPress Enterprises, Interstate Distributor, and Transport America.

By February 2015, SkyBitz had partnered with Pressure Systems International (PSI) to provide integrated tire pressure monitoring combined with trailer location tracking aimed at lowering fleet maintenance costs. That same year saw Telular acquire GPS North America and Reltima; these businesses were consolidated under SkyBitz to expand into local fleet management solutions.

In October 2017, Telular announced a collaboration between SkyBitz and Velociti to accelerate deployment of SkyBitz technologies throughout North American fleets. By April 2018, SkyBitz earned approval as a NASPO technology vendor, enabling contract opportunities with government agencies across all U.S. states and territories.