Starting a business is like diving into the deep end of a pool, not knowing if you’ll sink or swim. Back in 2017, we—Laith Wallace and Fabian Thorpe—took that leap with our first venture, Pixeloute. We had passion, drive, and a big vision. We were confident that we had what it took to make it work. But here’s the truth that no one tells you: passion alone isn’t enough to build a successful business. And we learned that the hard way.

Pixeloute eventually failed, and it was one of the most challenging moments of our careers. But looking back now, we see that it wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of something much bigger. That failure taught us more than any success ever could. It pushed us to start The Code Hub—a place where early-stage entrepreneurs don’t have to make the same mistakes we did, where they can build strong foundations and systems that help them thrive.

The Rise and Fall of Pixeloute

When we started Pixeloute, we thought we had it all figured out. We had a great product, we were doing what we loved, and we believed the rest would fall into place. But as the months passed, cracks began to appear in the business. We weren’t getting enough leads, and when we did, we didn’t have a reliable system to turn them into customers. We were scrambling—trying different strategies, working long hours, but with little to show for it.

What we quickly realised was that having a great product or service isn’t enough. You need systems in place. Systems for generating leads, systems for converting those leads into sales, and systems for keeping your operations running smoothly. Without these, a business can’t scale—it can’t survive.

We didn’t have those systems in Pixeloute. And as hard as it was to face, that’s ultimately why it failed.

The Turning Point: From Failure to Fuel

After the dust settled, we took time to reflect on what went wrong. It wasn’t just the market or bad timing. We realised that the root cause of our struggles was the lack of clear, repeatable systems in the business. We were trying to do everything manually, relying on our gut instincts rather than proven processes. The business wasn’t sustainable, and deep down, we knew it.

But that failure was also a blessing in disguise. It opened our eyes to the importance of structure and strategy in business, especially for startups. We knew we weren’t the only ones who had faced these challenges. So many early-stage entrepreneurs fall into the same traps—working hard, but without the systems in place to make that hard work count.

That’s when we made the decision to start The Code Hub. We wanted to build something that would provide entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support systems we didn’t have when we started. We envisioned a hub where startups could not only access funding but also learn how to build strong, scalable systems from day one.

The Lessons We Learned

The biggest lesson we learned from our experience with Pixeloute? Systems are everything. A business without systems is like a car without an engine—it might look good from the outside, but it’s not going anywhere.

Here’s what we discovered along the way:

- Crafting the Right Offer: 

It’s not enough to just have a product or service; it has to be something your target audience really needs and wants. We spent a lot of time in Pixeloute trying to sell an offer that wasn’t quite aligned with the market. Now, we help entrepreneurs get this right, ensuring their offer is irresistible.

- Lead Generation Systems: 

You need a reliable, repeatable way to bring in new leads consistently. This was one of our biggest struggles with Pixeloute. We didn’t have a clear strategy, so our pipeline was always unpredictable. At The Code Hub, we emphasise the importance of building strong lead generation funnels from the start.

- Converting Leads into Sales: 

Getting leads is only half the battle. We didn’t have a robust sales system to convert those leads into paying customers. A lot of potential clients slipped through the cracks simply because we weren’t following a clear process. That’s why at The Code Hub, we help founders build systems that convert leads into sales efficiently and consistently.

- The Power of Mentorship: 

We didn’t have mentors guiding us through the tough times, and that made the journey lonelier and more difficult. One of the pillars of The Code Hub is mentorship—because having someone who’s been there before makes all the difference.

Why We Started The Code Hub

We founded The Code Hub because we believe no entrepreneur should have to go through what we did. It was tough watching our dream with Pixeloute crumble, but it was also the wake-up call we needed. We realised that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. And now, we’re using that failure to fuel the success of others.

At The Code Hub, we provide angel investments, education, and mentorship, all under one roof. We’re here to help entrepreneurs build the systems they need to succeed. We know what it’s like to be in the trenches, trying to keep your head above water, and we’re here to guide you through it. Whether it’s creating a lead generation strategy, refining your offer, or building a solid sales funnel, we’ve been there—and we’ve learned what works.

A Message for Entrepreneurs

To every entrepreneur out there struggling with their business right now: we’ve been where you are. We know how hard it is when you’re trying to figure everything out on your own. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to. That’s why we created The Code Hub—to be the support system we wish we had when we started.

Failure isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s part of the journey. The real test is how you respond to it. You can learn from it, grow from it, and use it to build something even better. That’s what we did, and now, we’re here to help you do the same.

If you’re ready to build a business that thrives—not just survives—join us at The Code Hub. Let’s work together to build the systems that will drive your success.

Start your journey today with The Code Hub, and let’s turn your challenges into your greatest opportunities.

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Laith Wallace & Fabian Thorpe  

Founders of The Code Hub

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