Adelaide-based software development agency PixelForce, in collaboration with strategic investor Tobi Pearce, have launched a $1.5 million initiative to help Australian tech startups with the challenge of scaling their business after launch.
The PixelForce Launchpad draws on the experience of Pearce, as co-founder of fitness platform Sweat and online driving instructor and student marketplace EzLicence, to create a hands-on initiative designed to give emerging tech companies the foundations, tools and support they need to scale sustainably.
PixelForce says the initiative has been created after the company identified a 40 per cent increase in “rescue” projects over the past 18 months, where businesses struggle to sustain growth post-launch, pointing to a gap in Australia’s scale-up support ecosystem.
“Through my experience with the PixelForce business, particularly across development of EzLicence and Sweat, I’ve seen firsthand the difference the right guidance and expertise can make in turning ambitious ideas into global success stories,” says Pearce, who made a strategic investment in Pixelforce earlier this year.
“Launching this initiative feels like the natural evolution of our decade-long relationship and a chance to share those lessons learned over the years.
“We want to give Australia’s most driven founders the foundations, support, and knowledge they need to scale successfully.”
Backed by a $1.5 million commitment, PixelForce will select 10 Australian businesses to receive access to its proprietary platform foundation package, valued at $150,000.
Through a collaborative investment model, founders will contribute alongside PixelForce, ensuring they are fully positioned to leverage the same technology that powered the global success of the Sweat app, equipping them to “accelerate growth from Australia to the world”.
Hinney Lo, co-founder of PixelForce, says the launchpad reflects a strong belief in the next wave of Australian tech talent.
“Together, we are backing ambitious founders and helping turn bold ideas into world-class digital products,” says Lo.
“Selected businesses will gain access to the right tools and hands-on support to navigate today’s growth challenges.
“We will be providing the selected businesses with practical and embedded support through our platform foundation partnership, which can be the difference between a promising MVP and a category defining technology business.”
PixelForce says that as its newest shareholder, Pearce brings proven scaling experience to the initiative and will help selected businesses avoid common pitfalls and build stronger pathways to growth.
PixelForce, which was founded in 2013 by Hinney Lo and technical director Ben Zhang, is a software development agency providing end-to-end web and mobile app solutions.
Since inception, the company has delivered more than 100 digital products for clients ranging from startups to global brands.
The investment in the company by Pearce formalised a decade-long collaboration between the tech entrepreneur and Lo, whose team helped build Sweat into a leading fitness app with more than 50 million users across 142 countries, generating more than $100 million in annual revenue.
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