From Bespoke Builds to Big Bets — Trevor Gowing & Decode Development at Ignite 2025

For Trevor Gowing, one bold pitch became the foundation for a company. As co-founder of Decode Development, he shares how a collaboration with Sea Monster led to winning the Lemonade Day US project, building a kids’ app and mentor/admin platforms, and resigning to launch the business. What clinched it? Visible commitment and skin in the game.

In this EO Ignite 2025 conversation, Trevor also introduces Decode’s model: bespoke software for purpose-driven companies, balancing off-the-shelf solutions with custom builds, and supporting clients through fractional CTO advisory and embedded engineering teams. He opens up about the challenge of marketing their successes and how they’re now turning everyday workflows into podcasts, clips, and SEO-friendly content.

This is a story of risk, resilience, and building from purpose—a roadmap for entrepreneurs turning big bets into sustainable growth.

🔗 EO Durban: www.eodurban.co.za

🎙️ Produced by TIM Africa.