Wanaka startup tackles wilderness survival kits
When Matt Butler’s fishing guide business was decimated by Covid-19, he shifted his focus to developing the perfect wilderness survival kit for all his outdoor adventures.
After researching options in the market and finding nothing suitable, the Wanaka local decided to create it himself
The KEA KIT is a modular, compact outdoor survival system providing unmatched organisation, versatility and reliability so you can explore with confidence.
One year down the track and he clearly wasn’t the only person looking for the same solution, with 1400 supporters chipping in an impressive $300,000 during a crowdfunded Kickstarter campaign last month.
“Product delivery is not due until later in the year so it was satisfying to prove the concept and demand plus know that all the effort and work over the past year was rewarded, Matt says.
“I have been a fly fishing guide for the past six years and have always been frustrated with packing all the necessary survival gear.”
Matt Butler is the founder of The KEA KIT
The KEA KIT includes over 30 items of the most essential, quality survival gear curated by outdoor adventure experts.
“The gear you carry with you on your adventures can make all the difference in dire situations, Matt says.
“You need gear that you can trust to get the job done and not fail on you at the first use.”
Covid-19 has been a blessing in disguise for Matt. With the loss of 95% of his fishing guide clients it gave him the chance to start working on The KEA KIT.
He also credits the pandemic for creating a surge in demand for outdoor products, due to travel restrictions forcing people to spend more time in their own backyard.
Matt is a one-man-band at the moment, and has been working with Startup Queenstown Lakes Business Coach Jinene Clark, assisting with local expertise and connections, all whilst actively networking within the local startup ecosystem.
Getting The KEA KIT to where it is today hasn’t been without it’s challenges.
“As the business and concept develops overtime, distractions can be rife, so I have tried to keep true to the fundamentals of the original concept.
“Starting a international company from the beginning is also very challenging, with each country having their own laws and way of doing business, it’s been important to try seek help and overcome this challenge.”
As for advice for anyone else wanting to start a new business post Covid, Matt suggests looking at the positives.
“When there is enormous change there is also enormous opportunities.
“The world is shifting rapidly due to this once in a century event so there is no time like the present to make the most of it.”
About The KEA KIT
The KEA KIT is durable, water resistant, fits easily into any outdoor backpack or hiking pack and is lightweight.
The modular design allows users to simply put the whole kit into a pack, or just remove the internal cases to use separately for shorter trips.
The kit is organised into the five pillars of outdoor survival providing quick and easy access when you need it the most. These include, First Aid, Water, Shelter, Fire and tools
The compact design size also means it's also great for storing as a backup survival kit in your car, RV, home, boat.
Check out more here: www.keaoutdoors.com
