Whip Around Simplifying Software for Good: Case Study
After seeing first-hand how safety and compliance issues in New Zealand's trucking industry were slowing down operators, Whip Around's co-founders developed a cloud-based software platform to simplify the vehicle inspection process and keep fleets moving.
Drivers and fleet managers can now use a simple app to carry out pre- and post-trip inspections and manage maintenance and reporting requirements – replacing the unwieldy paper-based systems the industry was previously reliant on.
Founded in 2016, the company has always had its eye on the North American market and the massive opportunity presented by more than one million transport companies bound by the stringent federal regulations governing commercial vehicles in the US.
Whip Around now has nearly 50 staff split evenly between Auckland and Charlotte, North Carolina – it has hired 10 in the year to date – and its products are being used by commercial fleet operators across the US to connect remote teams around important vehicle issues and maintenance requirements.
Co-founder Tim Boyle says contrary to the experience of many other companies in the COVID-19 environment, Whip Around has seen continued growth this year, with transport operators deemed essential operators and a trend toward paperless processes and digital technology.
In the middle of the pandemic, Whip Around completed a successful multimillion-dollar Series B funding round, which attracted investment from strategic US-based investors alongside new and existing local investors.
NZTE has supported Whip Around's growth journey with introductions to local and international investors and venture capital funds, and strategic connections in the US.
Boyle says several of the people NZTE's Investment team introduced to Whip Around were investors in the latest round.
"NZTE provided various support through beachhead advisors to help craft marketing strategies and brand positioning, as well as defining and delivering a validation project supported by the IGF to identify the strongest sectors within the industry and best performing states to develop strategies and target them with greater emphasis. This has been a key contributor to Whip Around's resilience in the last two quarters. "
