From Kickstarter to a Global Brand with Rex Kuo

What does it take to turn a simple everyday frustration into a globally recognised brand?

In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Rex Kuo, co-founder of Orbitkey, to unpack the journey from a side project built after work to one of Australia's most successful product design companies.

Rex shares how a simple idea to eliminate noisy, bulky keys became a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that raised over $210,000 in just 30 days, launching a business that now sells millions of products worldwide. Along the way, he opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career as a pharmacist, building a global team, expanding through retail, and creating products that genuinely improve everyday life.

The conversation also explores product innovation, crowdfunding, travel, family, business partnerships, and why building a purpose-driven company has been just as important as building a profitable one.

Whether you're launching your first business, creating a physical product, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic Australian brands, this episode is packed with practical lessons and founder insights.

In This Episode How Orbitkey started from a simple frustration with noisy keys

Raising over $210,000 through Kickstarter in just 30 days

Why you don't need to quit your job to start a business

Building a global product brand from Australia

The role of crowdfunding in validating new ideas

Lessons from launching 13 successful Kickstarter campaigns

Growing through retail, trade shows, and international expansion

Collaborating with Disney and Marie Kondo

Building a strong company culture across global teams

Using travel to inspire creativity, productivity, and better business

Why purpose, sustainability, and B Corp certification matter

Supporting neurodiversity in the workplace

Chapters 00:00 Meet Rex Kuo, Co-founder of Orbitkey 01:59 The Idea That Started Orbitkey 03:43 Launching Australia's First Kickstarter Success 06:02 Turning a Side Hustle into a Business 09:05 Growing Beyond One Product 10:45 Taking Orbitkey Global Through Trade Shows 15:10 Building a Loyal Community Through Kickstarter 18:39 The Power of Great Co-founders 20:42 Family, Travel and Frequent Flyer Points 25:36 Building a Global Team and Company Culture 30:33 Purpose, Sustainability and Becoming a B Corp 33:18 Product Philosophy and Long-Term Thinking 36:37 The Secrets Behind Successful Kickstarter Launches 40:18 Collaborating with Disney and Marie Kondo 42:24 Supporting Neurodiversity at Work 45:31 Rapid Fire Travel Questions