Our vision is to enable businesses and their owners
to develop and grow across generations in an
ethical, responsible and sustainable manner
Who We Are
Founded in 2007, Castalia Group exists to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the kind of high-level strategic leadership and management services typically out of reach for most. We serve ambitious businesses that cannot attract, afford, or sustain full-time corporate services — yet need them to grow and thrive.
We’re not consultants. We are long-term partners and advisors, guided by trust, values alignment, and a shared belief in doing things the right way — with intent, discipline, and vision.
Why We Exist
Castalia was created out of a shared belief between our Founders: that experienced leaders and specialists from traditional corporate
backgrounds could do their best work in a different setting, one driven by purpose, partnership, and legacy.
This idea was inspired by the German mittelstand philosophy: a long-term, values-based, entrepreneurial approach to business that
emphasises sustainability, trust, and craftsmanship. Our Founders – Dieter Blaich and Lindsay Bender – saw an opportunity to build
something meaningful, not just for themselves, but for others who shared their thinking.
Their vision gained momentum when Castalia began investing in aged care and retirement businesses. Alongside these, Dieter had been
building a diverse portfolio of SMEs across multiple industries, partnering with key individuals who needed more than funding, they were
looking for thoughtful, values-aligned leadership.
How We Work
At the heart of our approach is partnership. Not transactional, but transformational. We seek deep, long-term relationships – where trust is mutual, values are aligned, and each party brings something meaningful to the table.
We work with a 100-year view in mind. Our partnerships are intentional and carefully formed. Each one begins by getting to know the people involved – their motivations, aspirations, and strengths. Only then do we co-create a bespoke solution, formalised through term management agreements or tailored service models that suit the business stage and needs.
Our strength lies in our people. We are four partners – two Founders and two highly skilled leaders providing head office services. Together, we bring a wealth of varied experience, capability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to help SMEs realise their full potential.
Our team, our philosophy, and our relationships all serve one purpose: To help good people and great businesses go further than they ever thought possible.
Investment
Making strategic investments for collective gains. With a clear understanding on what value is, and how it should be both measured and managed, we focus on aligning shareholder intent with stakeholder outcomes.
Property
Property management, design, development and delivery, from initial design to final furnishings.
Management
Setting a new standard of excellence in managing sustainable growth by unlocking long-term vision and business performance in small to medium businesses.
Health
Provision of business and operational services and support to aged care and retirement living business owners, including new business start-up and performance turnaround.
