Whip Around: Fleet Inspection & Maintenance Software

Whip Around Secures $14 Million in Series B Funding

Whip Around, a SaaS company originating from New Zealand, has successfully completed a $14 million Series B funding round. The company focuses on simplifying fleet inspection and maintenance procedures.

Expansion Plans and Market Opportunity

The newly acquired capital will be allocated towards expanding the company’s team, particularly within its New Zealand operations. Growth will also be prioritized in the United States, which currently represents the largest portion of Whip Around’s customer base.

According to CEO Noah Hickey, the transportation sector is undergoing a shift. A transition from traditional, paper-based methods to the digital solutions offered by Whip Around is underway. He believes a substantial opportunity exists to optimize the transport industry and facilitate company growth.

Investment Details

This funding round was spearheaded by Punakaiki Fund, a venture capital firm based in New Zealand. Amplo, a Texas-based VC firm, also participated, bringing its experience with a diverse portfolio of software companies, including Intercom, Robinhood, and Sharesies.

Addressing Industry Challenges

U.S. fleets are often legally required to conduct daily asset inspections and maintain records for as long as five years. Performing these tasks manually and with paper-based systems consumes significant operator time, as highlighted by a Whip Around representative.

Whip Around’s solution aims to replace these cumbersome paper processes with a digital alternative. This allows for improved tracking of progress, increased employee accountability, and more accurate predictions of future maintenance requirements.

The Future of Fleet Compliance

A company spokesperson explained to TechCrunch that the digitization of compliance and maintenance processes will become increasingly vital. Regulators are likely to build upon mandates like the electronic logging device requirement, and impose further reporting obligations on fleet operators.

Current Customer Base and Team Growth

Whip Around currently serves a diverse clientele, ranging from independent operators to large-scale fleets. Notable customers include Imperfect Foods, Belknap, PODS moving and storage, and 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.

The company currently employs 70 individuals across locations in Auckland, North Carolina, and Texas. The funding will be used to bolster its product and engineering teams.