What Mako Networks does

Mako Networks is a privately-held network management company founded in 2000 in New Zealand and now headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, that provides PCI-certified, cloud-managed networking infrastructure to distributed multi-site enterprises. Its core offering, the Mako System, combines the Mako CMS cloud-based management platform with a range of managed hardware devices — security gateways (A2, 6500, 6600, and 6700 series), VPN concentrators, access points, and managed switches — to deliver integrated SD-WAN, SASE, next-generation firewall, cellular failover, cloud VPN, Wi-Fi, and hosted VoIP services with role-based segmentation across thousands of locations. The company holds international patents for proprietary communications protocols covering remote device configuration and is the only network management firm in the world with a PCI DSS Level 1 certification extensible to merchants, first achieved in 2009 and renewed annually.

The customer base is concentrated in the US retail fuel, multi-location retail, and quick-service restaurant verticals, with named enterprise accounts including CrossAmerica Partners (~1,600 sites), Petroleum Marketing Group (1,200+ gas stations), Sinclair Oil (~1,800 locations), and Golden Oil. Mako monetizes through recurring managed services subscriptions, hardware device sales or rentals, PCI compliance tools, and Mako Voice VoIP services, distributing globally via authorized resellers, agents, VPN Cloud partners, technology partners, and direct enterprise field sales. The company is deployed in 22 countries, led by co-founders Chris Massam (CTO) and Simon Gamble (President) alongside CEO Jason Kubasak and CFO Mike Bryniarski, and most recently expanded US hardware development capacity through the September 2024 acquisition of Australia-based Traverse Technologies.

Name

Mako Networks

Legal name

Mako Networks, Inc.

Website

https://makonetworks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Mako Networks is a privately-held provider of PCI-certified, cloud-managed network infrastructure (SD-WAN, firewall, cellular failover, VoIP) for distributed multi-site enterprises, with a primary focus on US retail fuel, multi-location retail, and quick-service restaurant verticals across 22 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cloud-managed network security

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Cloud Networking & SDN/NFV Management (HDABABAK)

Keywords

• Cloud-managed networking
• PCI DSS compliance
• SD-WAN solutions
• Managed network security
• Distributed enterprise networks

Headquarters

HQ city

Elgin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Managed Services (Hardware + Software Subscription): The Mako System is sold as a combination of hardware and managed services or as an 'as a service' subscription from Mako Networks or its authorized partners. Customers pay recurring fees for cloud management, monitoring, security, and connectivity services with optional hardware procurement.
2. Hardware Device Sales: Mako sells a range of managed devices including security gateways (A2, 6500, 6600, 6700 series), VPN concentrators, access points, and managed switches. Devices can be purchased or rented.
3. Equipment Rental: Mako offers equipment rental programs where customers pay monthly rental fees for Mako Equipment. Monthly rental includes 24x7 technical support. Customers must return equipment upon termination or expiration.
4. Mako Voice (VoIP Services): Voice over internet protocol services including voice calling and voicemail. Toll-free calling features may incur additional charges. Services are only offered in the United States.
5. PCI Compliance Tools and Services: Merchant PCI Services including SAQ portal access, Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) quarterly vulnerability scans, Configuration Review tools, and PCI Dashboard access for compliance monitoring.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mako Networks provides the Mako System, a PCI-certified, cloud-managed, carrier-independent networking platform that integrates the Mako CMS cloud management application with managed Mako hardware devices (security gateways, VPN concentrators, access points, managed switches). The system consolidates SD-WAN, SASE, next-generation firewall, cellular failover, cloud VPN, Wi-Fi, and hosted VoIP into a single cloud-managed platform with role-based segmentation for distributed enterprises.

Product overview

Mako Networks offers The Mako System, a unified platform-plus-modules architecture combining cloud-managed networking hardware and software. The core consists of Mako CMS (cloud-based management application) and a range of managed Mako devices including Security Gateways, VPN Concentrators, Access Points, and Managed Switches. The system integrates add-on modules including Mako Voice (VoIP), SmartATG (Automated Tank Gauge integration), Periscope (secure remote access to behind-the-device services), and Mako Dashboard (network visualization). Key features include SD-WAN, Cellular Failover, Cloud VPNs, Next-Gen Firewall, Enterprise Templates, High Availability, and SASE capabilities. The Mako System is positioned for distributed enterprises in petroleum, retail, quick-service restaurants, healthcare, and unattended facilities verticals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mako CMS: Cloud-based network management and monitoring application for the Mako System.
• Mako Voice
• Mako Devices
• All-In
• Periscope
• SmartATG

Products and services

• The Mako System PCI-certified, cloud-managed, carrier-independent networking solution that enables distributed enterprises to connect and manage thousands of global sites in a secure, reliable, scalable and cost-effective business network. Targeted at multi-site enterprises in petroleum, retail, QSR, healthcare, and unattended facilities.
• Mako CMS (Central Management System) Cloud-based network management and monitoring application serving as the central management interface for the Mako System, enabling 24/7 remote configuration, enterprise templates for bulk deployment, centralized monitoring and automated real-time alerts across thousands of sites.
• Mako Devices PCI DSS certified, fully cloud-managed hardware appliances that form the edge of the Mako System at customer sites, including security gateways (A2, 6500, 6600, 6700 series), VPN concentrators, access points, and managed switches.
• Mako Security Gateways Secure, reliable, fast and flexible security gateway appliances that serve as the edge device for customer networks, integrating SD-WAN, SASE, next-generation firewall, cellular failover, cloud VPN, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
• Mako VPN Concentrators Appliances that connect thousands of sites securely with high-performance VPN connectivity across distributed enterprise networks.
• Mako Access Points Secure, cloud-managed wireless connectivity devices providing Wi-Fi access at distributed locations and managed centrally via Mako CMS.
• Mako Managed Switches Managed switching appliances that securely extend network connectivity across distributed enterprise networks and are managed centrally via Mako CMS.
• Mako Voice Hosted Voice over IP (VoIP) service delivering telephony calling, voicemail, and related features integrated with the Mako network platform. Available only in the United States.
• SmartATG Automated Tank Gauge interrogator that enables direct querying of supported ATGs without additional hardware, VPNs, or firewall modifications, presenting fuel data through Mako CMS or via API integration with existing systems. Targeted at petroleum retailers using ATGs.
• Periscope Secure remote access capability providing reliable access to web-based services hosted behind Mako devices at remote sites, including POS systems, CCTV, DVRs, IoT devices, and network storage, requiring a Mako 6600-M security gateway or newer and multi-factor authentication.
• Mako Dashboard Secure cloud-based network visualization tool that integrates with Mako CMS via single sign-on to give centralized support teams a way to monitor the status of their entire network at a glance.
• All-In Platform Program Cloud-managed retail connectivity platform program from Mako Networks designed to standardize large distributed retail and fuel networks on the Mako System with PCI-certified connectivity, SD-WAN, cellular failover, and centralized monitoring.
• Merchant PCI Services PCI compliance services including SAQ portal access, Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) quarterly vulnerability scans, Configuration Review tools, and PCI Dashboard access for monitoring compliance.

Quantifiable outcome

• CrossAmerica Partners LP standardizing ~1,600 retail fuel sites on Mako's platform (2026)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Traverse TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 25 September 2024Mako Networks acquired Australia-based Traverse Technologies, a supplier and development partner, to expand its hardware development capabilities. Traverse Technologies contributed to the design of Mako's hardware platforms including the A2, 6500, and 6600 series. The acquisition strengthens Mako's hardware supply chain and development expertise.
• RiskRecon (a Mastercard company)coreTechnology or IntegrationRiskRecon provides third-party security validation for Mako Networks' security posture. As a Mastercard subsidiary, RiskRecon's independent security assessments validate Mako's platform security for customers and prospects, strengthening Mako's credibility in the PCI DSS compliance space.
• ConexxuscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMako Networks is a Conexxus Diamond Sponsor. Conexxus solves unique technology challenges of the convenience and fuel industry. This sponsorship provides Mako visibility and engagement with petroleum and convenience retail decision-makers.
• PEI (Petroleum Equipment Institute)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMako Networks is a PEI Member. PEI is the authority and source of information for the energy handling equipment industry.
• RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) - Security Advisory GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMako Networks is a member of the RSPA Security Advisory Group. RSPA is dedicated to all stakeholders of retail technology, POS, and beyond.
• IFBTA (International Food and Beverage Technology Association) - Supplier Advisory CommitteeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMako Networks is on the IFBTA Supplier Advisory Committee. IFBTA promotes technology utilization within the food and beverage industry.
• RTN (Restaurant Technology Network) - Platinum MemberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMako Networks is a RTN Platinum Member. RTN connects restaurant professionals and technology providers to address industry challenges.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• HPE Aruba Networking: HPE Aruba offers SD-WAN, switching, and Wi-Fi for distributed enterprises after absorbing Silver Peak and Talari. It competes broadly with Mako in retail and branch networking but as part of a much wider enterprise portfolio.
• Fortinet: Fortinet is a broad incumbent in network security with FortiGate Secure SD-WAN bundled into its firewall portfolio. Larger and broader than Mako, it competes for the same distributed enterprise SD-WAN+SASE deals but as one of many product lines.
• Cisco Meraki: Cisco Meraki is the dominant cloud-managed networking suite for distributed enterprises, with security appliances, switches, and wireless products. It is Mako's largest broad incumbent competitor in the multi-site retail and QSR SD-WAN space.
• Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SD-WAN/SASE): Palo Alto Networks' Prisma SASE includes cloud-managed SD-WAN from its CloudGenix acquisition. As a broad incumbent, it competes for distributed enterprise networking and security wallet share that overlaps with Mako's All-In platform.

Direct peers

• Aryaka Networks: Aryaka delivers managed SD-WAN and SASE as a service for globally distributed enterprises. Its delivery model and target customer profile (multi-site commercial businesses) closely overlap with Mako's managed services approach.
• Cradlepoint (Ericsson): Now part of Ericsson, Cradlepoint delivers cloud-managed 4G/5G wireless edge networking and SD-WAN for distributed enterprise branches. It is the most direct competitor to Mako's cellular failover and cloud-managed branch networking stack for retail and QSR customers.
• Cato Networks: Cato operates a cloud-native SASE platform combining SD-WAN, security, and global private backbone. It is a direct peer competing for the same distributed-enterprise SD-WAN/SASE wallet that Mako addresses with its cloud-managed appliance model.
• Versa Networks: Versa provides SD-WAN and SASE with deep multi-tenant segmentation features comparable to Mako's role-based secure zones. It targets distributed enterprises and mid-market customers with similar cloud-managed networking and security requirements.
• Talari Networks (HPE Aruba): Talari pioneered SD-WAN for distributed enterprises before its acquisition by HPE Aruba. Its technical focus on WAN reliability and packet-level failover is highly comparable to Mako's high-availability and SD-WAN with fast failover positioning.
• FatPipe Networks: FatPipe specializes in SD-WAN with patented WAN failover and optimization — directly analogous to Mako's SD-WAN with fast failover feature. It serves distributed enterprise and retail customers with similar redundancy and uptime priorities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/makonetworks
• Facebookfacebook.com/MakoNetworks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/93281

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mako Networks