About Us

The New Kid on the Block

We launched Hoist to the public in April 2026. The response told us everything: workshops across New Zealand had been waiting for something like this.

We're a small Kiwi team and we're just getting started. There's a lot of road ahead, and we couldn't be more excited to build it alongside the workshops who've already joined us.

Launched April 2026

Open to the public and growing fast

Upper Hutt, New Zealand

100% Kiwi owned & operated

Strong Early Traction

Workshops signing up week after week

Our Story

We started hearing the same thing from workshop owners wherever we went: their software was expensive, hard to use, and hadn't kept up with how modern businesses actually operate. The options available felt like they were designed for a different era.

So in 2023, we started building something better. Specifically for New Zealand automotive workshops.

We spent time in workshops. We listened. We tested. We scrapped things that didn't work and doubled down on the things that did. In April 2026, we opened the doors to the public.

The response confirmed what we suspected: workshops across New Zealand had been longing for a change. The traction we've seen in just the first weeks has shown us there's a real appetite for software that simply works. No bloat, no inflated price tag, no runaround.

We're the new kid on the block, and we're proud of it. We're not carrying the baggage of legacy systems or decade-old design decisions. We're building from a clean slate, with a clear focus: give Kiwi workshops the tools they deserve.

This is just the beginning. We're shipping improvements every week, listening to every customer, and building a product that keeps getting better. We want to build the best workshop software in New Zealand. We think we're well on our way.

Meet the Team

Two founders, one mission: make workshop software Kiwi businesses actually love using.

Jess Ross - CEO at Hoist

Jess Ross

CEO

I'm driven by a simple goal: helping Kiwi businesses succeed. I enjoy building strong relationships and working alongside people who are passionate about what they do. I'm honoured to work directly with incredible Kiwi businesses to create a software that truly brings them value.

Alex Snyman - CTO at Hoist

Alex Snyman

CTO

A passionate off-roader with a background in systems and software engineering across the medical and defence industries. Now channelling that expertise into building powerful, reliable workshop software.

Our Values

These principles guide everything we do at Hoist.

1

Customer-First

Every decision starts with the question: "How does this help workshop owners succeed?"

2

Simplicity

Powerful features that are easy to use. We hide complexity so you can focus on your business.

3

Reliability

Your business depends on us. We take that responsibility seriously with 99.9% uptime.

4

Continuous Improvement

We ship improvements every week based on customer feedback and evolving needs.

5

Local Focus

Built in New Zealand, for New Zealand. We understand the Kiwi workshop environment.

6

Transparency

Honest pricing, public roadmap, and open communication. No surprises, ever.

Backed & supported by

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Microsoft for Startups

Startup tools and founder support.

AWS Activate

AWS Activate

Startup resources and tools.

Ministry of Awesome

Ministry of Awesome

Startup accelerator and founder community.

Google for Startups

Google for Startups

Startup resources and mentorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hoist and our team.

Where is Hoist based?
Hoist is based in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. We're a proudly Kiwi company building software specifically designed for New Zealand automotive workshops.
When did Hoist launch?
We started building Hoist in 2023 after spending time understanding what workshop owners actually needed. We opened to the public in April 2026 — and the early response has been beyond what we expected.
Is Hoist only for New Zealand workshops?
Yes, Hoist is built specifically for New Zealand workshops. We integrate with NZ-specific services like NZTA vehicle lookups, Xero NZ, and local parts suppliers to provide the best experience for Kiwi businesses.
How is Hoist different from other workshop software?
Hoist is modern, affordable, and built by people who understand the NZ automotive industry. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, genuine local support, and features designed specifically for how Kiwi workshops operate.
Can I try Hoist before committing?
Absolutely. We offer a free trial with full access to all features — no credit card required. If you decide Hoist is right for you, you can stay on. If not, no hard feelings.

Get Started for $60/month

Join Hoist today at our early adopter rate of $60/month + GST - locked in for 6 months. Limited slots available at this price.

No lock-in • Cancel anytime • Your data is always yours

$60/month early adopter pricing
Limited slots available
iOS & Android mobile app included
No card required