Christopher-John Cassar

Product & Engineering Leader

Email: christopherjcassar@gmail.com | GitHub: cjmcassar | LinkedIn: cjmcassar

Profile Summary

Product & Engineering leader with 7 years of experience in building product and leading technical teams for various companies in crypto, SaaS, and XR. Proven track record in driving innovation with a clear communication style and strategic mindset.

Technical Skills

  • Programming Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Python, Lua, Solidity
  • Frameworks: NextJS, NestJS, Django, Flask
  • Environments: NodeJS
  • 3D Tools: Unity
  • PM Tools: Linear, Figma
  • Libraries: Web3.js, Ethers.js, Matic.js, AR (Kit || Core), React
  • Database: Firebase, Prisma, PostgreSQL
  • Analytics Tools: Mixpanel
  • Cloud Services: AWS & GCS
  • Source Code Management Tools: Git, GitHub

Work Experience

KORIS (Venture backed startup - Acquired)

Nov 2022 to October 2024

Role: Advisor - [Co-Founder]

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical and product insights to enhance user experience and platform functionality

Previous Role: Head of Product and Engineering - [Co-Founder & CPTO] (Nov 2022 to March 2024)

Key Achievements:

  • Increased user retention by 8x and revenue by 10x through strategic product enhancements and user-centric design
  • Reduced engineering burn rate by 90% by restructuring the software architecture, optimizing resource allocation
  • Led by example, shipping code while managing a cross-functional team of 15, fostering a high-performance culture
  • Implemented a process improvement that reduced the product development cycle from four weeks to one week, significantly accelerating time-to-market for new features
  • Developed an innovative AI-driven product roadmap prioritization system, enhancing decision-making efficiency
  • Established a data-driven culture, introducing key performance indicators (KPIs) that improved product performance metrics by 200%

MBC (Contracted)

Aug 2022 to Nov 2022

Role: Product Engineer

Key Responsibilities:

  • Developed and enhanced product features tailored to client needs and industry standards
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new features
  • Conducted code reviews and implemented best practices to maintain high code quality

Versadex Ltd. (Venture backed startup – 7percent Ventures)

Feb 2022 to Aug 2022

Role: Product Engineer (Co-Founder & CTO)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Led the technical strategy and product development for a blockchain-based trading platform
  • Managed a team of engineers, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality deliverables
  • Interfaced with investors and stakeholders, communicating technical progress and product vision

Obi Vision Ltd. (XR Venture backed startup – Entrepreneur First)

April 2020 to October 2021

Role: Software Engineer (Co-founder & CTO)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Spearheaded the development of XR applications, focusing on innovative user experiences
  • Managed the technical roadmap and product development lifecycle
  • Collaborated with design teams to create intuitive and immersive XR interfaces

BMT Defense & Security UK

May 2017 to May 2020

Role: R&D XR Engineer

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conducted research and development in XR technologies for defense and security applications
  • Collaborated with military personnel to understand and address specific operational needs
  • Developed prototypes and proof-of-concept models for XR training simulations

Academics

  • PhD – Human Factors Design & Software Engineering (University College London, UK – 2020)
  • MSc – Sustainable Engineering (Strathclyde University, UK - 2015)
  • Double BEng (Hons) – Engineering (Strathclyde University, UK - 2014)
  • Foundation Certificate – Software Engineering (Caledonia University, UK - 2011)

Extracurriculars

  • Author of "How to Combat Weaponized Lies" (2018)
  • Currently working on a Western Novel (Title TBD)
  • Advisor to early-stage founders at Entrepreneur First, mentoring on building traction for startups

Awards

  • Sir Peter Gadsden Britain Australia award - Awarded to improve research collaboration between the UK and Australia's naval design efforts.
  • On Deck Membership
  • Entrepreneur First Funding & Membership