Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Fox.
Hi Joe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Joe Fox is an Australian expat who has called Austin, Texas home for the past three years, building and scaling high-growth technology businesses at the intersection of e-commerce, AI and fintech. He most recently served as President and Chairman of the Board at Growave, a leading all-in-one marketing platform for Shopify brands, where he helped expand the company’s global partnerships ecosystem and drive more than 70% new ARR growth. During his tenure, Growave supported thousands of merchants worldwide, including brands such as Sony, Lego, Crocs, Logitech, and Dermalogica. Joe remains a shareholder and strategic advisor to the company and continues to host the Retain • Grow • Thrive podcast, featuring leading founders and operators across the Shopify ecosystem.
Before relocating to the U.S., Joe held senior leadership roles across multiple venture-backed technology companies throughout APAC and North America. He served as VP of Partnerships at Reviews.io (now Clearer.io), led ANZ partnerships at Fast prior to its acquisition by Affirm, and was APAC Managing Director of Lighthouse8, delivering AI-driven digital transformation for multinational brands including Toyota and Blackmores. Earlier in his career, he co-founded and exited Studio Culture, growing it into one of Queensland’s fastest-scaling digital agencies. His work has been recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 APAC and multiple national business awards.
Today, Joe is Founder and CEO of ShotPay, a Texas-based fintech platform purpose-built for the shooting, hunting, outdoors and tactical industry. With a focus on modernizing payments infrastructure and empowering merchants in underserved markets, ShotPay reflects Joe’s broader philosophy: build boldly, align passion with expertise, and stay close to the point of transaction. Based in Austin, he continues to invest in early-stage ventures, support the broader ecommerce ecosystem, and contribute to the local and international business community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Relocating from Australia to the U.S. meant rebuilding everything from scratch — network, credibility, and momentum — in one of the most competitive tech markets in the world. There’s no shortcut for that. You have to earn trust all over again. On top of that, operating in venture-backed environments and high-growth tech comes with volatility. I’ve been part of companies that scaled aggressively and were later acquired, and I’ve also experienced firsthand how quickly market conditions, funding climates, and macro shifts can change the trajectory of a business.
Another challenge has been balancing scale with sustainability. When you’re pushing for aggressive growth — whether it’s partnerships, ARR expansion, or ecosystem development — the pressure to move fast can clash with the need to build durable foundations. Leading through hypergrowth means making difficult calls, navigating strong personalities, and staying focused when the noise gets loud. That’s something I’ve learned to embrace rather than avoid.
On a personal level, stepping back from a presidential role to return to founder mode was also a deliberate but challenging decision. Walking away from scale to build again from the ground up requires conviction. But I’ve learned that the discomfort is usually the signal — growth rarely happens inside stability. Every obstacle along the way has reinforced the same principle: build with intention, stay adaptable, and never confuse momentum with permanence.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ShotPay was built to serve a segment of the market that has historically faced limited and, at times, unfavorable financial options. Many traditional providers approach the industry with elevated fees, restrictive underwriting, or inconsistent policy changes that can create uncertainty for merchants. Our philosophy is different. We focus on transparent pricing, disciplined risk management, and long-term partnership — aligning our incentives with the merchants and communities we serve rather than optimizing for short-term margins.
Beyond commerce, we believe responsibility extends beyond the transaction. ShotPay actively supports industry and veteran-focused nonprofit organizations, including the Second Amendment Foundation, which works to defend constitutional rights through education, research, and legal advocacy, and the HunterSeven Foundation, which focuses on identifying and addressing toxic exposure and cancer risks impacting post-9/11 veterans. Supporting these organizations reflects our belief that businesses operating in this space have a broader obligation to contribute positively to the communities connected to it.
At its core, ShotPay is building specialized financial infrastructure for a complex and highly regulated market. We prioritize compliance, transparency, and sustainable growth while reinvesting in the ecosystem that supports our merchants and customers. Based in Texas, we are committed to strengthening both the commercial and community foundations of the industry we serve.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that long-term success is built on relationships, not transactions. In fast-moving industries, it’s easy to focus on metrics, growth targets, or competitive positioning. But over time, I’ve realized that your reputation and how you treat people compound far more powerfully than any short-term win. Being kind, operating with integrity, and helping others without expecting something in return creates trust — and trust is the foundation of durable opportunity.
I’ve also learned that your network truly is your net worth. Every meaningful opportunity in my career — partnerships, leadership roles, new ventures — has come through relationships built over years, not cold outreach. Investing in people, mentoring, staying curious, and showing up consistently for others has opened doors that skill alone would not have.
Ultimately, business is a long game. Markets fluctuate and roles change, but character travels with you. If you focus on adding value, keeping your word, and lifting others along the way, the results tend to follow.
Lastly if you have a chance to work with Veterans take it, their commitment and ability to problem solve is second to none and a game changer in businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shotpay.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefox888/
