We Are Pigeonly
Our mission is straightforward: build tools that cut the harm incarceration causes to families and communities.
We offer low-cost calls to jails and prisons, plus easy ways to send photos, letters, postcards, greeting cards, and even articles—straight from your phone. We've removed the headaches and high prices, giving you a simple, affordable way to stay connected with your loved one inside.
It's not just business, it's personal
Pigeonly builds technology products for the overlooked and underserved. To date, we've launched multiple products that address and solve communication barriers between inmates and their support network of family and friends. We're looking for people with passion, who are an asset to the industry and are looking to help us solve problems for those incarcerated.
In the News
Pigeonly's mission has been covered by the world's leading publications
2013 "Released From Prison, and Starting a Company"
Frederick Hutson's story of founding Pigeonly after incarceration.
The New York Times
2014 "How This Man Built A $3M Business A Year After Prison"
Frederick turns four years in prison into a multi-million dollar company.
Forbes
2014 "Pigeonly: The Prison Startup"
CNN Money covers the innovative startup connecting incarcerated individuals with their families.
CNN
2014 "Frederick Hutson's Tech Start-Up From Prison"
USA Today profiles how Pigeonly is changing the landscape of prison communication technology.
USA Today
2015 "Pigeon.ly Wants To Serve The U.S. Prison Population"
TechCrunch covers Pigeonly's Y Combinator-backed approach to disrupting prison telecom.
TechCrunch
2014 "Frederick Hutson: From Federal Prison to Tech Startup CEO"
HuffPost profiles Pigeonly's founder and his path from incarceration to entrepreneurship.
HuffPost
2016 "From Prison to Pigeonly"
Yale Center for Business and the Environment profiles Frederick's entrepreneurial journey.
Yale CBEY 2019 "Why Silicon Valley Investors Trusted a Formerly Incarcerated Man With $5M+"
Forbes explores the trust top investors placed in Frederick Hutson's vision.
Forbes
2020 "From Incarceration to Innovation"
Verizon highlights how Frederick Hutson is transforming prison communication.
Verizon
2018 "Success Beyond Bars: How Pigeonly Connects Families"
Black Enterprise covers Pigeonly's impact on connecting families with incarcerated loved ones.
Black Enterprise
2016 "Pigeonly with Frederick Hutson"
In-depth podcast interview covering the founding story and growth strategy behind Pigeonly.
Mixergy
NYT Boss Blog 
Yahoo News 
Miami Times 
Industry Leaders 
Republic 
Cerebral Women 
Youth Code Jam 
Prison Legal News Company Growth & Accolades
Key milestones, awards, and achievements that define Pigeonly's journey
The Beginning
Frederick Hutson is released from federal prison after serving 51 months and envisions a better way for families to communicate with incarcerated loved ones.
Fotopigeon Launches
Pigeonly launches as Fotopigeon, allowing families to send photos to incarcerated loved ones directly from mobile devices.
Rebrand to Pigeonly & $3M Revenue
Company rebrands from Fotopigeon to Pigeonly and expands services. Reaches $3M in annual revenue within the first full year.
Y Combinator & Telepigeon Launch
Pigeonly joins Y Combinator and launches Telepigeon, an affordable prison calling service that dramatically reduces costs for families.
$5M+ Funding Raised
Prominent Silicon Valley investors trust Frederick with $5M+ in funding. Launches letters and postcards services, building a comprehensive communication platform.
10 Million Orders
Pigeonly celebrates processing over 10 million orders, helping families across all 50 states stay connected with their incarcerated loved ones.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Pigeonly becomes a critical lifeline as in-person prison visits are suspended nationwide. Offers free services to help families stay connected during the crisis.
TIME100 Most Influential Companies
Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies. Celebrates 10 years of service with over 50 million photos delivered.
Introducing the Free Plan
Pigeonly launches its free plan, removing financial barriers and making it possible for every family to stay connected at no cost.
VEGAS INC Top Tech Award
Frederick Hutson honored with VEGAS INC's 2024 Top Tech Awards in the startup category, recognizing Pigeonly's innovation in correctional technology.
Correctional Partnerships
Pigeonly Corrections partners with correctional facilities to modernize mail processing, reduce contraband (especially drug-soaked substances), enhance safety for staff and inmates, and preserve family communication through secure scanning and high-quality reproduction.
Delaware DOC Pilot Program
Pilot at JTVCC virtually eliminates mail contraband and supports family ties with clear scanned copies.
Delaware DOC Statewide Expansion
Expanded to all facilities, further reducing contraband entry while maintaining family connections via reproduced mail.
Iowa DOC Partnership
Processes all incoming non-privileged mail to block contraband and keep family communication safe and intact.
New Jersey DOC Implementation
Statewide program reduces inmate overdoses by ~50% by stopping drug-laced mail and supports family bonds.
Fresno County Jail Implementation
Routes personal mail to Pigeonly to prevent contraband entry and ensure safe family correspondence delivery.
Sonoma County Jail Transition
Transitions non-privileged mail to reduce contraband risks and maintain secure family connections.
Nevada County Sheriff's Office Transition
Blocks drug-soaked mail to lower overdose risks while delivering family letters safely.
Alameda County / Santa Rita Jail Implementation
Targets contraband reduction through mail screening.