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 EpisodeHow Orbitkey started from a simple frustration with noisy keysRaising over $210,000 through Kickstarter in just 30 daysWhy you don't need to quit your job to start a businessBuilding a global product brand from AustraliaThe role of crowdfunding in validating new ideasLessons from launching 13 successful Kickstarter campaignsGrowing through retail, trade shows, and international expansionCollaborating with Disney and Marie KondoBuilding a strong company culture across global teamsUsing travel to inspire creativity, productivity, and better businessWhy purpose, sustainability, and B Corp certification matterSupporting neurodiversity in the workplaceChapters00:00 Meet Rex Kuo, Co-founder of Orbitkey01:59 The Idea That Started Orbitkey03:43 Launching Australia's First Kickstarter Success06:02 Turning a Side Hustle into a Business09:05 Growing Beyond One Product10:45 Taking Orbitkey Global Through Trade Shows15:10 Building a Loyal Community Through Kickstarter18:39 The Power of Great Co-founders20:42 Family, Travel and Frequent Flyer Points25:36 Building a Global Team and Company Culture30:33 Purpose, Sustainability and Becoming a B Corp33:18 Product Philosophy and Long-Term Thinking36:37 The Secrets Behind Successful Kickstarter Launches40:18 Collaborating with Disney and Marie Kondo42:24 Supporting Neurodiversity at Work45:31 Rapid Fire Travel Questions