Shell Malaysia has announced to acquire a 50% stake in Pixelbyte Sdn Bhd, the company behind ParkEasy.

ParkEasy, a mobile app that allows users to reserve premium car parks and park quickly in shopping malls and other locations, also offers pre-booked slots for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

This investment is Shell's first in a Malaysian-based tech startup and it will give Shell an immediate path to an established parking and e-mobility platform in Southeast Asia.

"Decarbonising mobility and enabling better services to our customers through digital innovation are core to our Powering Progress strategy. Our combined strength with a young Malaysian start-up will help us develop superior mobility products and services for our customers," said Seow Lee Ming, General Manager Mobility of Shell.

According to a statement, ParkEasy will continue operating under its existing management and name.

ParkEasy has grown its business from a parking reservation app to include other offerings such as sales of its proprietary smart parking solutions and EV charging bay management systems over the last three years.

"We are excited to have Shell as a partner, especially as it supports our vision and belief that people should always utilise their most valuable resource and time on things that truly matter to them," said Pixelbyte chief executive officer, Warren Chan.