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Zempire: Building a global brand through innovation

From a family-founded New Zealand business to a leading international outdoors brand, Zempire’s growth has been driven by innovation and bold decision-making.

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Zempire has been part of New Zealand’s outdoor landscape since 2006. Founded by Sophie and Richard Knauf, the camping equipment business was born from a belief that great design leads to even better experiences out in nature. 

For many New Zealanders, Zempire’s rise played out in real time across summer campgrounds, where its tents become a familiar sight. From family holidays to festival weekends, the brand built a reputation for making time outdoors simpler and more enjoyable.

Behind that visibility, something important was happening inside the business. Products designed to solve everyday camping frustrations were being adopted at scale and international markets were taking notice.

That shift prompted a deeper conversation about what Zempire could become. As momentum built at home, Sophie and Richard reached a defining moment that would shape the next phase of the business.

Zempire has since become one of the fastest-growing outdoor brands in the world . The business is well known for its innovative air tent technology and high-quality camping gear. 

Innovation built for the journey

Air tent innovation was consciously aligned with Zempire’s international ambitions, where there was a strong appetite for something genuinely new in the outdoor category. 

Zempire’s products offered a clear point of difference, supported by a New Zealand brand story that resonated with retailers and consumers alike.

Zempire’s early international growth was built through distributor partnerships. Entering the United States directly marked a shift in how the business operated, bringing new risks and operational complexity. 

Richard and Sophie leveraged innovative product design, brand strength, a hands-on presence, and the right capital support to make a direct entry into the market. The pay-off came quickly, with Zempire securing major national retail partnerships in the United States from the outset. 

Support behind the scenes

As Zempire prepared to step into the United States, having the right banking support in place was critical. BNZ Relationship Manager Yatin Mehra worked closely with the business as it navigated a direct-to-retailer shift.

“From a funding perspective, this required careful planning,” Yatin says. “It meant greater upfront investment in stock, more complex supply chains, and increased exposure to foreign currencies. Each decision had cash flow implications weeks or months down the line.”

Zempire’s Chief Financial Officer, Lachlan Wilson, says that BNZ’s approach stood out.

BNZ supported Zempire with a mix of trade finance, foreign exchange services, and access to specialist advice. This helped the business manage working capital as production scaled while providing greater certainty as it operated across multiple markets.

The next adventure 

With strong foundations in place, Richard and Sophie are focussing on its next phase of growth in existing and new markets, including establishing offices overseas. This expansion reflects the same mindset that shaped Zempire’s journey to date - investing in innovation, backing the brand, and building long-term capability.

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This article is solely for information purposes and is not intended to be advice with respect to any matter discussed in it. If you need help, please contact BNZ or your professional adviser. Neither BNZ nor any person involved in the material accepts any liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance on, all or any part of the content.