A journey of serendipity: Weaving the Cactus tapestry with Ben Kepes - Cactus Outdoor

Join Ben Kepes to learn about his journey of co-founding Cactus Outdoor, his passion for sustainability and NZ-based manufacturing, his experience as an investor and commentator in tech, alongside the lessons Cactus have learnt and how they've built a niche creating durable, long-lasting apparel products right here in Christchurch.

About Ben:

Co-founder of Cactus Outdoor and a champion of sustainable NZ-based manufacturing. Ben is a professional board member, a globally-recognized technology commentator, and entrepreneur.

Ben has served on the boards of a number of non-profit, privately held and listed companies in New Zealand and the UK. He has won a number of accolades including being a recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award in 2016 and being recognised as a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors in 2021.

Ben has been an investor in a large number of early-stage technology startups across three continents and has had successful exits to listed and privately held companies in Canada, the US, and the UK. He has served on the advisory boards of a number of technology startups in New Zealand, Australia, the US, and the UK.

About Cactus Outdoor:

Cactus Outdoor is an iconic Christchurch apparel company making tough, no-nonsense outdoor gear, clothing and workwear right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

While apparel production has largely moved offshore, Cactus has continued to fly the local flag, giving it greater quality control and flexibility.

And it’s growing.

Last year, the company acquired Albion Clothing, another Christchurch business which has been making high-quality clothing for more than 40 years.