Two Friends Unite
Established in 2011, young University students and friends Hinney Lo and Ben Zhang were in need to develop a "mock" company for a University course. This seemingly routine academic assignment became the genesis of what would eventually transform into one of Adelaide's most respected digital agencies. The assignment provided the perfect catalyst for two friends to test their complementary skills in a structured environment.
This idea branched off into much more than a University project and has reached quite a high level in the tech industry. What started as an academic exercise evolved into a genuine business opportunity when Hinney and Ben recognised the practical value of what they had created. Rather than archiving the project after completing the course, they made the courageous decision to commercialise it.
Many were skeptical about turning what was a hobby into a career although Managing Director Hinney Lo believed otherwise. In 2011, launching a digital agency in Adelaide required not just technical skill but also unwavering belief in the region's potential and in the team's ability to deliver enterprise-grade solutions. This conviction has remained the cornerstone of PixelForce's culture - a willingness to do things differently and prove that regional companies can achieve global standards.
Commercial History
Over the 7-years of production, PixelForce has become one of Adelaide's highest regarded web designer and app developers attaining a finals position in BDO and Brand South Australia's Fast Movers South Australia 2018 program. This recognition was not simply about financial growth - it represented validation that the company had built something sustainable and differentiated in a competitive market. Being recognised alongside other innovative South Australian businesses affirmed that PixelForce's approach to quality, service, and team culture resonated with both clients and industry observers.
PixelForce boasts a wide variety of talent located in their headquarters where they have created websites and applications for business located around South Australia. The company's Adelaide base has never been a limitation - instead, it has become a competitive advantage. Clients from across Australia and internationally choose to work with PixelForce because they deliver the quality of a major metropolitan agency with the responsiveness and personal attention of a regional business.
With a team stretching across the globe, Lo and PixelForce continues to pride itself on the diversity of its staff. Today, with over 60 talented individuals, the company has built a multicultural workforce that brings together expertise from multiple continents. This diversity in background, experience, and perspective directly translates to better client outcomes. Team members from different countries and educational systems bring varied approaches to problem-solving and a deep understanding of global user behaviours and expectations.
Over half of PixelForce's staff members are graduates from international institutions. This commitment to recruiting globally-educated professionals has meant that the company benefits from exposure to the latest international teaching methodologies, frameworks, and practices. Rather than relying solely on locally-trained talent, PixelForce has deliberately built a team with access to the best ideas and innovations from around the world.
Sweat - Defining Success
PixelForce's most notable client launched the world famous workout application SWEAT during 2016 whose fame continues to grow. Kayla Itsines and fiancé Tobi Pearce approached PixelForce to develop their fitness application vision, and the result became a global phenomenon. With over 50 million downloads and a valuation that reached $400 million at its peak, SWEAT represents not just PixelForce's technical capability but also our ability to build products that scale to massive audiences.
Kayla Itsines and fiancé Tobi Pearce chose PixelForce to develop their application and since has become one of PixelForces' proudest achievements. This partnership demonstrates what happens when visionary entrepreneurs align with a development team that understands both technology and product strategy. The success of SWEAT has opened doors globally, attracting major clients who recognise that PixelForce has the proven capability to build and support applications at scale.
The experience of building SWEAT provided PixelForce with invaluable insights into international user acquisition, retention, and monetisation strategies. These lessons have been applied to countless subsequent projects, elevating the quality of counsel and technical execution PixelForce provides to all clients. The app stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a talented team combines technical excellence with business acumen.
With 2018 coming to an end, PixelForce's team are continuing to build applications and websites for a number of clients. Since then, the company has only expanded its reach and reputation. Today, PixelForce continues to work with ambitious founders and established enterprises alike, bringing the same combination of technical excellence, strategic thinking, and commitment to quality that defined the SWEAT project.
PixelForce's journey from university project to globally-recognised development agency serves as an inspiring reminder that great companies can emerge from anywhere - including Adelaide. With the right combination of talent, vision, and persistence, local success can become global impact.