Martin and Rob started to think about the idea of Rapanui in 2007, they spent 6 months researching and developing the brand, product and business model and launched the business in January 2008. They started with their savings (two hundred pounds each) and bought a box of t-shirts, they sold them to friends and family then grew the business with profits earned.

After a year they moved into their first office and employed their first staff. Since then the business has been growing 300% year on year.