7 September 2025 · Board Member
Ben Kepes - Co-Founder, Commentator and Investor
Host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes, founder of Cactus Outdoor, entrepreneur, tech commentator, and board member. Ben shares insights on business partnerships, lessons learned in scaling a company, the importance of curiosity, and how Kiwi businesses can stay true to their roots while embracing
In this episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes —entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor —for a candid exploration of his journey in business and technology. Ben shares the squiggly line of his career, including founding one of New Zealand’s beloved outdoor brands. He offers honest insights into the challenges of co-founder relationships, the evolution of Cactus, navigating tough decisions like shifting manufacturing offshore, and the lessons learned from successes and failures alike. Ben also dives into his perspective on New Zealand’s tech landscape and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to your passions.
Hosted by Paul Spain, CEO and Futurist at Gorilla Technology.
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Part of the Podcasts NZ network.