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