Meet the member: PixelMax

The pandemic has made the ability to adapt and be flexible within business essential. For many, pivoting was the difference between achieving wild successes and crashing and burning. One business that has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to pivot is Exchange member, PixelMax.

PixelMax had its inception in 2019. Originally, the business was using game engine technology to revolutionise the way life sciences are taught in universities using visual 3D software. This allowed students to see the intricate and multi-faceted metabolic systems in the human body.

Just before the pandemic struck, PixelMax were using their software to create virtual versions of factory production lines, including real-time data from machines to improve productivity. When the first lockdown came into place last March, this project was put on hold.

Also put on hold was PixelMax’s move to its Manchester HQ in Department Bonded Warehouse along with the rest of the Exchange cohort as the world went virtual. The team created potential out of this adversity by modelling a virtual version of Bonded Warehouse, which gave way to its new immersive communication platform designed to bring the virtual world to life.

PixelMax co-founder, Shay O’Carroll, said: “It became clear that what we were doing was on hold due to the current state of the world, so we had to adapt. When creating the virtual Bonded Warehouse, we realised that the idea had the potential to go much further.

“Running in-parallel with our development, our expert steering committee gave us feedback on existing video conferencing software and what they would like to see in a new platform and as a result, we have created a truly fulfilling platform.”

PixelMax created the virtual venue for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) National Conference in November, which featured 26 speakers from across the globe.

Speaking about their success, fellow co-founder, Andy Sands, added: “Being Exchange members has helped us in so many ways. We would not be as successful as we are today had it not been for our fellow entrepreneurs and the industry expert partners which the programme has introduced us to.

“We won a £250,000 investment from Solid Bond Venture Builder, which is Exchange’s resident investment vehicle. This funding has since lead to a multi-million-pound investment offer. This is the beginning of a very exciting journey for us, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

Shay continued: “It’s no surprise that Manchester is experiencing a tech boom as more and more firms are drawn to the appeal of the city, and its start-up friendly ecosystem. We secured funding last year as an early-stage business which has allowed us to build it further, and has propelled our development. As Manchester, and initiatives such as Exchange continue to nurture new tech firms, the region will benefit from the influence scale-ups have on economic growth and it’s a very exciting development to be a part of.”

To find out more about PixelMax, visit its website, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Youtube.