PipLens is a social learning platform that connects experts with learners through live webinars, one-to-one sessions, and project review services. LGSE was engaged from initial concept through to launch, providing both the technical foundation and strategic direction to help the founder bring their vision to market.
MVP Launch - PipLens
Connecting & empowering experts & learners through an all-in-one knowledge sharing platform
Overview
From Concept to Launch: Building a Platform to Connect Experts and Learners
Client: PipLens
Industry: Education / Social Learning
Project type: Cross-platform mobile app
Solution: MVP Launch
Timeline: 3-months to MVP launch, on-going partnership
As a non-technical founder with a bold vision, finding the right developer who was not only technically skilled but could also understand and refine my ideas was incredibly important. Working with LGSE delivered exactly that and more. They helped roadmap my vision, enhance it, and ultimately bring PipLens to life. We’re now receiving great feedback, steadily onboarding new users, and looking forward to implementing exciting new features together.
Services
Product strategy
Mobile app development
Architecture design
Technical leadership
On-going maintenance
Tech Stack
React Native
Firebase
Stripe Connect
Algolia
Mux
Whereby
PostHog
Google Cloud Functions
Challenge
Turning a Vision into a Viable, Scalable MVP
PipLens began as a concept; an idea to build a global community where aspiring creatives and innovators could connect directly with industry experts. As a non-technical founder, the client needed a trusted partner who could turn that idea into a tangible, scalable product.
The main challenges included:
- Clarifying and prioritising what should be in the MVP to ensure a focused, achievable first launch.
- Developing a cross-platform mobile app that could serve both experts and learners.
- Integrating live webinars and video content seamlessly into the app experience.
- Facilitating secure, compliant payments between learners and experts.
- Managing budget constraints and evolving requirements throughout the build.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection and app store policies.
Solution
A Scalable Cross-Platform Solution Designed for Growth
LGSE designed and implemented a solution focused on clarity, scalability, and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the founder, we translated early ideas into wireframes, user flows, and a defined MVP roadmap to ensure the right features were prioritised for launch.
Technical Approach
We developed the mobile application using a cross-platform framework, delivering a single, high-performance codebase for iOS and Android. A serverless backend architecture provided real-time data synchronisation, authentication, and scalability — ideal for a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Integrations & Technical Highlights
- Video Streaming: Implemented a scalable video delivery solution with automatic transcoding and low latency, reducing hosting and maintenance costs while ensuring smooth playback within the app.
- Webinars: Integrated a cross-platform webinar service supporting chat, screen sharing, and in-browser participation — providing users with a familiar and reliable live learning experience.
- Payments: Designed a secure, compliant payment flow to automate transactions and payouts between experts and learners, balancing ease of use with safety and AML compliance.
- Search and Discovery: Added real-time, typo-tolerant search functionality for fast, intuitive discovery of experts and learning content.
- Analytics: Introduced product analytics and event tracking to measure engagement and inform future roadmap decisions.
Architecture Highlights
The architecture was modular by design, separating business logic, UI, and integrations to simplify ongoing updates. Security and privacy were prioritised throughout, following GDPR best practices and app store guidelines.
Key Contributions by LGSE
- Defined MVP scope and roadmap, aligning technical priorities with business objectives.
- Led technical architecture, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
- Developed and maintained the full React Native + Firebase application.
- Implemented key integrations for video, webinars, payments, and search.
- Designed wireframes and user flows, helping the client formalise and refine their vision.
- Advised on feature prioritisation and monetisation, balancing feasibility and business impact.
- Provided ongoing maintenance and upgrades, ensuring the app remains current with evolving frameworks and platform policies.
Outcome
Successful MVP Launch and Early Market Validation
Through LGSE's technical leadership and collaborative approach, PipLens successfully launched as a production-ready MVP across both iOS and Android. The platform has proven its core concept and laid the groundwork for future growth.
Key Outcomes
- Successful Public Launch: Live on both the App Store and Google Play with stable performance.
- Early Adoption: Onboarded the first 50 users, including the first expert profile — validating both sides of the marketplace.
- Concept Validation: Received positive feedback from early testers on usability, design, and the expert-learner experience.
- Revenue Readiness: Monetisation models (webinars, project reviews, and 1-to-1 sessions) are fully implemented and operational.
- Built for Scale: The technical foundation supports future feature expansion and marketing rollout without major rework.
Learnings
Focus, Education, and Alignment — The Keys to MVP Success
This project reinforced the importance of education and focus throughout the MVP process. Many non-technical founders underestimate what's required to launch even a "minimum" viable product, so ensuring continuous alignment and education was essential.
It also highlighted the value of discipline and focus — staying committed to clear milestones and avoiding feature creep was key to delivering a successful MVP within budget.
Ultimately, PipLens reaffirmed why LGSE does what it does: helping non-technical founders bring ideas to life, bridge the gap between business goals and technology, and launch digital products that can grow sustainably.
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