Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Driftly
Join the Revolution: Build the Future of Cardless Mobility from Day One
About Driftly
Driftly is a pre-MVP Belgian startup on a mission to kill the 30-year-old fuel card forever and become Europe's default Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app. We're building a License Plate Recognition (LPR)-powered platform that turns every refuel or charge into a <30-second, fully automatic, hands-free transaction ("drive in, fill up, drive away"). No cards. No PINs. No queues.
We're not looking for a "CTO on paper." We're looking for a builder in love with code—someone who lives for the thrill of turning a raw concept into a scalable product that changes millions of daily journeys.
The Role: CTO – Hands-On Builder First, Visionary Leader Second
This isn't a corporate CTO role with endless meetings. In our pre-revenue phase, you'll be the technical heart of Driftly: the person who personally builds our POC and MVP, iterates fast based on real pilot feedback, and then scales by hiring and leading the team you need. You'll own the entire tech stack from day one, with full autonomy to make bold choices—because we're building from a concept, not a playbook.
You'll start as our lead (and often only) developer for 6–12 months, shipping the first version that wows our 5–10 pilot stations. Then, as we raise and grow, you'll transition into true CTO: recruiting engineers, architects, and specialists (as many as needed—no artificial caps), defining processes.
Key Responsibilities
• Build the POC & MVP
• Own the Full Stack with UX Excellence: Design not just functional but delightful interfaces—because seamlessness starts with how it feels. Balance beautiful, intuitive UX (mobile/web) with rock-solid performance (low latency, offline resilience).
• Iterate Fearlessly: We're pre-revenue and concept-stage—expect failures, pivots, and breakthroughs. You'll debug in real Antwerp parking lots, tweak AI for rainy Belgian weather, and ship weekly updates based on pilot feedback.
• Scale the Team & Tech (Post-POC): Hire your dream engineers (frontend, backend, ML, DevOps—no limits on headcount as revenue ramps). Lead patent execution and tech roadmap.
• Collaborate Closely: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with me (business/partnerships) and early partners. Be the technical voice in investor meetings and station demos.
Who You Are – The Perfect Fit
• In Love with Developing: Coding isn't a job—it's your passion. You get a rush from clean architecture, elegant solutions, and shipping features that make users say "wow." Weekends tinkering with side projects? That's you.
• Full-Stack Savvy: Proven ability to build production apps end-to-end (mobile/web preferred). Strong in, AWS, databases, IoT/edge (Raspberry Pi bonus), payments (PCI experience), and AI/ML basics. You care deeply about UX—intuitive flows, fast load times, accessibility.
• Technical Visionary + Executor: You can architect for scale while shipping MVP in weeks. Bonus: Experience with computer vision/LPR, fintech, or sustainability tech.
• Startup Mindset – Patience, Belief, Resilience: Pre-revenue means no salary now. You believe in the dream: Killing the fuel card and owning Europe's MaaS future. You're okay with ambiguity, willing to fail fast (and learn faster).
• Lifelong Learner: Tech moves fast—you stay ahead (new frameworks, AI tools, regulations). Humble enough to say "I don't know… yet" and figure it out.
• Belgian/EU Bonus: Based in/near Antwerp or willing to relocate. Dutch/French fluency huge plus for local partnerships.
What We Offer
• Equity That Matters: Meaningful stake —you're not an employee, you're a co-owner.
• Impact & Autonomy: Your code will touch millions of transactions. Full freedom on stack/tools (as long as it scales).
• Growth Rocket: From solo builder to leading a 10–20 person team by Y3. Budget to hire whoever you need once revenue hits.
• Culture: Small, high-energy team (you + Gaetan initially). Flexible hours, remote-friendly, but close collaboration for "rap op de bal" speed. Fitness/travel/reading vibes welcome.
• Timeline: Start Jan/Feb 2026 (flexible).
How to Apply
If this lights a fire in you—if you're ready to code the death of the fuel card and own the technical future of European mobility—send:
• Your CV + GitHub/portfolio (show us apps you've built).
• A short note: "Why Driftly's LPR vision excites me technically" (200 words max).
• Salary/equity expectations (be realistic for pre-revenue).
To:
Subject: CTO Application – [Your Name]
We're moving fast—first great fit gets the role. Let's talk.
Gaetan Likile
Founder & CEO, Driftly
Building the invisible future of mobility.