We deliver innovative solutions that drive measurable business growth
Positive partnership for growth
Our relationship with NLT Digital Solutions spans more than a decade and 15+ major projects. We’ve embedded our team, process and approach deep into their organisation to create an industry defining series of products.
NLT provides communication network infrastructure for underground mines to improve safety, efficiency and operations for large mining clients globally. We’ve worked closely with them to design and deliver N-Connex, an award winning world first underground network communications system that provides the backbone of their Digital Mine ecosystem.
Industry uptake of this platform was rapid and widespread, allowing NLT to grow existing clients and secure new customers. It also then allowed them to embark on a development program to build specific hardware that integrated seamlessly into the underground environment.
As a group we shifted focused from the network to the miner, designing and developing Vigilance, a miner’s cap lamp and battery pack system with built-in real time communications capabilities. For the first time, underground miners could send text messages and images to each other or to control teams above ground. As part of this work Katapult also designed the UI on the product itself and for the new Digital Mine web based management software.
This fully integrated communications and safety system has swept a range of global awards and been embraced by the industry, continuing significant market growth for NLT. The business has generated over $25 million in revenue this year, with a 55% annual growth rate since 2020 and an EBITDA margin exceeding 23%. Their client roster includes major players like Anglo American, BHP and South32.
"Our relationship and joint development with Katapult Design was a massive effort with an even bigger return. Our drive and determination for the N-Connex product was due to a need in the market for a simple solution with very complex requirements."
Tim Haight
Managing Director NLT Digital Solutions
Zero to $60M in revenue in 5 years
The success story that is Fliteboard has been well documented. David Trewern, a serial entrepreneur with an inquisitive mind and an insatiable desire to succeed, emerged from a sabbatical in Byron Bay with the spark of an idea and turned his startup into a water sports phenomenon, building a business from scratch to a $60M turnover in just 5 years.
We were privileged to be on the inside almost from the beginning. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved with someone who knew what success required. From the outset it was clear that Flite would be a design-driven company. Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking went hand in hand with attention to detail, a passion for new technology and an eye for beautiful forms. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive client.
Katapult worked with David Trewern to refine his eFoil prototype into a mass-producible consumer product. Through sketching, 3D modeling and iterative testing, we rapidly developed rideable pre-production units within 12 months and launched a limited production run six months later. Driven by Trewern’s innovation, the product set the industry standard from the outset, propelling Fliteboard to global category leadership with exceptional design, elite performance and a considered UX. A continued focus on R&D has allowed Flite to retain their position as the preeminent eFoil brand in a rapidly growing market.
In 2023, just 6 years after the birth of Fliteboard, US giant Brunswick Corporation came calling and purchased Flite for a reported US$90M. For Brunswick, it was important to work with the leaders in this emerging industry and in buying Flite they vindicated the company’s dedication to design and product excellence.
For Katapult, our partnership with Flite remains a flagship example of the value of great teamwork and the core importance of a customer centric, design savvy attitude to building an outstanding business.
"We wouldn’t be here as a company today if it wasn’t for Katapult. One of the keys to our success was having that really good working relationship from day one which is still there today.”
David Trewern
Flite Founder
Build it and they will come
We knew Vessel founder James Choe through networks, but started officially working with him for his cannabis industry startup Vessel in late August 2017. At the time James had a vision to create a brand that created more upmarket products to service the newly legalised cannabis market in the US.
Katapult collaborated with Vessel to create thoughtfully designed, meticulously crafted products that achieved immediate success. Their design-driven approach and attention to detail spanning product assembly, material finishes, packaging and the unboxing experience distinguished them from competitors.
Vessel rapidly gained traction, with sales surging and product lines expanding. Katapult contributed by designing new devices, charging systems, carry cases and packaging, while also providing visualisation renders and animations to support the brand. By year 3 Vessel hit $6M in annual revenue with 90% year-on-year growth, solidifying its presence and capturing attention in the market.
In late 2021 the big end of town came calling, with Flora Growth buying Vessel for US$30M, just over 4 years since it was founded. Vessel was attractive to Flora due to it’s rapid growth, strong position in the market and brand recognition, all driven by a commitment to design and development.
Katapult continues to work with Vessel and Flora, creating innovative new products for the brand within this ever expanding market. The quality of the products and the considered nature of the execution sets them apart from the majority of the pack.
