CTO Co-Founder (Equity-no salary)

Tasks

HOPn UG is looking for a highly committed CTO Co-Founder to join immediately and lead the company’s technology vision, product development, and technical execution.

This is a remote, unpaid, equity-based co-founder role with 15%–25% equity, depending on experience, execution ability, leadership capacity, technical strength, and long-term commitment. There is no immediate salary until HOPn secures funding, revenue, grants, or investment.

The CTO Co-Founder will play a central role in shaping the future of HOPn as an international, multidisciplinary organization. This person will lead the development and execution of the company’s technology strategy, oversee software and product development, design IT architecture, and drive innovation through practical technical implementation.

This role requires someone who can work independently, move fast, solve problems, build MVPs and demos quickly, lead teams, and help connect technology execution with business growth.

The ideal candidate must be available to focus 100% on HOPn and should not be committed to another job, startup, or major project.

Requirements

The CTO Co-Founder will:

• Lead HOPn’s technology vision, strategy, roadmap, and execution.
• Design and oversee IT architecture, software systems, platforms, and digital products.
• Build MVPs, demos, prototypes, and scalable product features quickly.
• Lead software development and product development across multiple HOPn projects.
• Work hands-on with PHP, Node.js, Python, frontend technologies, Flutter, APIs, cloud tools, and AI-assisted development workflows.
• Use modern AI tools and “vibe coding” methods to accelerate development and implementation.
• Define technical priorities and convert business ideas into working technology solutions.
• Manage, mentor, and support current technical team members.
• Hire, organize, and lead future developers, designers, engineers, and technical contributors.
• Oversee cross-functional technical projects and ensure efficient delivery.
• Support investor conversations, technical due diligence, grant applications, and grant proposal writing.
• Help prepare technical sections of pitch decks, investor materials, partnership proposals, and funding applications.
• Speak with customers, partners, users, and stakeholders to understand needs and translate feedback into product improvements.
• Drive innovation using AI, cloud computing, automation, APIs, and emerging technologies.
• Solve technical problems quickly and create practical solutions under startup conditions.
• Ensure systems are functional, efficient, secure, scalable, and aligned with HOPn’s long-term goals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:

• Strong expertise in software development and product development.
• Strong skills in IT strategy, architecture, and technical roadmap planning.
• Hands-on ability with PHP, Node.js, Python, frontend development, Flutter, APIs, AI tools, and cloud-based systems.
• Ability to build quick MVPs, demos, prototypes, and production-ready solutions.
• Experience leading technical projects from concept to implementation.
• Project management skills to oversee multiple cross-functional initiatives efficiently.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and contribute strategically to the company’s broader vision.
• Experience with startups, entrepreneurship, or equity-based roles.
• Strong communication skills and comfort speaking with customers, investors, partners, and team members.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, automation, and digital platforms.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and execute without waiting for detailed instructions.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Required Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ready to start immediately.
• Able to commit full-time and focus 100% on HOPn.
• Comfortable working without immediate salary in exchange for equity.
• Entrepreneurial, disciplined, and highly self-motivated.
• Passionate about building something meaningful and scalable.
• Capable of leading people, projects, and technical execution.
• Practical, resourceful, and solution-oriented.
• Strong in communication and collaboration.
• Comfortable working remotely with an international team.
• Able to manage multiple projects while maintaining execution quality.
• Comfortable with startup uncertainty, fast iteration, and high ownership.

Compensation

This is an unpaid, equity-based CTO Co-Founder role until HOPn UG secures funding, revenue, grants, or investment.

The CTO Co-Founder will receive 15%–25% equity in HOPn UG, depending on:

• Technical experience
• Startup experience
• Execution ability
• Leadership capacity
• Full-time availability
• Strategic contribution
• Long-term commitment
• Ability to build, lead, and scale the technology side of the company

Equity will be subject to a standard vesting agreement, typically 4 years vesting with a 1-year cliff, to protect the company and ensure long-term commitment from all co-founders.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal CTO Co-Founder is a hands-on technical leader who can take HOPn’s vision, turn it into a clear technical roadmap, build the first versions fast, lead current and future team members, communicate with customers and investors, and help grow HOPn into a strong international company.

This is not only a technical management role. It is a builder, strategist, co-founder, and execution role for someone ready to take ownership and help create something significant.

How to Apply

Please send:

• Your background and startup experience
• Links to products, apps, platforms, GitHub, demos, or technical work you have built
• Technologies you are strongest in
• Your experience with AI tools, cloud systems, APIs, and product development
• Your availability and ability to start immediately
• Confirmation that you can commit full-time to HOPn
• Your expected equity range
• Why you want to join HOPn UG as CTO Co-Founder