Rashad Itani

Hi, I'm Rashad Itani

Tech Leader & Entrepreneur

I build innovative fintech solutions that transform the checkout experience. Passionate about connecting commerce and financial systems to create seamless digital experiences.

Rashad Itani
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Rashad Itani

About Me

Tech entrepreneur, venture investor, and software engineering leader

I'm a technology leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience building innovative products and leading engineering teams. As the Co-Founder & CIO of Skipify, I'm focused on revolutionizing the checkout experience by connecting commerce and financial systems.

With over 20 years in the technology industry, I've worked across various domains including fintech, e-commerce, telecommunications, and enterprise software. My expertise spans both technical leadership and strategic business development.

Beyond my core role at Skipify, I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and investing in transformative startups as a Partner at Mentors Fund and Limited Partner at FirsthandVC.

Quick Facts

Professional Experience

20+ years in technology and leadership

Current Roles

Co-Founder & CIO at Skipify

Partner at Mentors Fund

Limited Partner at FirsthandVC

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science

Location

San Francisco Bay Area

Languages

English, Arabic

My Skills

I've developed expertise in a wide range of technologies throughout my career. Here's a snapshot of my technical skills and proficiency levels.

Technical Leadership

System Architecture
Technical Strategy
Team Leadership
Product Development
Mentoring

Frontend Development

JavaScript/TypeScript
React
Layouts
Mobile UI/UX
Progressive Web Apps

Backend & Infrastructure

AI
API Design
Cloud Architecture
Database Design
Microservices

Specialized Skills

FinTech Integration
E-commerce Systems
Security & Compliance
Data Analytics
Machine Learning
JavaScript
TypeScript
React
Node.js
AWS
GraphQL
MongoDB
SQL
Git
Docker
REST APIs
Cloud Architecture

Work Experience

Here's a timeline of my professional journey and the companies I've had the pleasure to work with.

GMAT Limited

Apr 2024 - Present

Partner & Head of Sales & Marketing

  • Scalable, and cost-efficient third-party logistics (3PL) solutions
  • Brand Growth and Market Expansion
  • Supply Chain Optimization
  • Sales and Marketing Strategy
3PLLogisticsE-commerceWarehouseAssembly & Kitting

Skipify

Apr 2024 - Present

Co-Founder & Advisor

  • Assisting CEO & CTO to continue building the best identity and wallet systems in Payments.
FinTechE-commercePaymentsTeam Leadership

FirsthandVC

Dec 2021 - Present

Limited Partner

  • Investing in and advising early-stage technology startups.
  • Evaluating investment opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, and enterprise software.
  • Providing technical expertise and guidance to portfolio companies.
  • Contributing to investment decisions and due diligence processes.
Venture CapitalInvestmentAdvisoryDue Diligence

Mentors Fund

Oct 2018 - Present

Partner

  • Partner at a seed fund that invests in and mentors capital-efficient startups.
  • Focus on startups looking to transform traditional industries.
  • Providing technical mentorship and guidance to portfolio companies.
  • Evaluating potential investments and contributing to fund strategy.
Venture CapitalMentorshipStartup GuidanceInvestment Strategy

Skipify

Mar 2023 - Apr 2024

Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer

  • Leading technology strategy and implementation for a fintech startup transforming the checkout experience.
  • Architecting scalable solutions that connect commerce and financial systems.
  • Building and mentoring engineering teams across multiple disciplines.
  • Responsible for all aspects of information security, data privacy, and technology infrastructure.
FinTechE-commerceCloud ArchitectureTeam Leadership

Skipify

Feb 2022 - Apr 2023

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

  • Led technology strategy and implementation for an innovative payment technology platform.
  • Managed and grew technical teams across multiple disciplines.
  • Architected systems integrating with major financial institutions and e-commerce platforms.
  • Established technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
Technology StrategyFinTechTeam LeadershipSystems Architecture

Skipify

Jan 2020 - Feb 2022

Co-Founder & VP Engineering

  • Co-founded and led engineering efforts for an innovative payment technology platform.
  • Designed and built systems integrating with major financial institutions and e-commerce platforms.
  • Established engineering practices, technology stack, and development workflows.
  • Grew the engineering team from inception while maintaining high quality standards.
System ArchitectureProduct DevelopmentAPI IntegrationEngineering Leadership

PLAE

Jan 2017 - Jan 2020

Chief Software Architect

  • Developed e-commerce solutions for a global lifestyle brand.
  • Implemented machine learning systems to optimize product recommendations and visual displays.
  • Managed multiple development teams including internal and external resources.
  • Led data integration, analytics, visualization, front-end design and development initiatives.
E-commerceMachine LearningTeam ManagementFront-end Development

PLAE

Jan 2015 - Jan 2017

Technical Architect

  • Established technical architecture for e-commerce systems and customer-facing applications.
  • Designed integration systems connecting multiple platforms and data sources.
  • Created analytics and reporting frameworks to drive business decisions.
  • Implemented performance optimizations across web and mobile platforms.
Technical ArchitectureData IntegrationAnalyticsPerformance Optimization

SugarCRM

Apr 2014 - Jan 2015

Software Engineering Manager

  • Led the Integrations team at SugarCRM, focusing on connecting the CRM platform with external systems.
  • Managed engineering resources while serving as Technical Lead.
  • Established technical standards and best practices for the team.
  • Coordinated cross-functional efforts between engineering, product management, and QA.
CRMTeam ManagementIntegration ArchitectureTechnical Leadership

SugarCRM

Jun 2012 - Jan 2015

Sr. Software Engineer

  • Served as Technical Lead on the Mobile Apps team.
  • Developed mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms.
  • Created intuitive user interfaces for complex CRM workflows.
  • Implemented responsive design principles for cross-device compatibility.
Mobile DevelopmentiOSAndroidUX Design

ShoreTel

Apr 2009 - Jun 2012

Sr. Software Engineer

  • Technical Lead for ShoreTel Communicator for Web and MacOS development.
  • Built unified communications platform integrating voice, video, and messaging.
  • Designed and implemented real-time communication interfaces.
  • Created cross-platform solutions for enterprise communication needs.
Unified CommunicationsWeb DevelopmentMacOSReal-time Systems

Ubiquiti Networks

Sep 2008 - Apr 2009

Software Engineer

  • Designed and developed Ubiquiti AirControl 1.0 to discover and configure Ubiquiti devices.
  • Created network management software for enterprise wireless solutions.
  • Implemented device discovery protocols and configuration interfaces.
  • Built monitoring and management systems for network devices.
Network ManagementDevice ConfigurationWireless TechnologiesSystem Design

Ariba, Inc

Jan 2000 - Aug 2008

Sr. Software Engineer

  • Developed enterprise procurement and supply chain management solutions.
  • Built and maintained large-scale financial transaction systems.
  • Implemented complex business logic for procurement workflows.
  • Created integration solutions with ERP and financial systems.
Enterprise SoftwareProcurement SystemsFinancial TransactionsSystem Integration

Cisco Systems

Jun 1998 - Dec 1999

Software Engineer (Intern)

  • Developed software for VPN Client.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams on software development projects.
NetworkingSoftware DevelopmentEnterprise SystemsCollaboration

Apple

Jun 1997 - Aug 1997

Software Engineer (Intern)

  • MacOS USB driver updater.
NetworkingSoftware DevelopmentCore MacOSCollaboration

Space Systems Loral

Jun 1996 - Aug 1996

Software Engineer (Intern)

  • Satellite Control Software.
Software DevelopmentAdaCollaboration

My Portfolio

Here are some of the key projects I've worked on throughout my career. Click on any project to learn more about it.

Skipify Checkout Platform

Skipify Checkout Platform

An innovative payment platform that transforms the checkout experience by connecting commerce and financial systems seamlessly.

FinTechE-commerceAPI IntegrationCloud Architecture
PLAE E-commerce Platform

PLAE E-commerce Platform

A comprehensive e-commerce solution for a global lifestyle brand featuring machine learning recommendations and advanced analytics.

E-commerceMachine LearningData IntegrationUX/UI
SugarCRM Mobile

SugarCRM Mobile

A mobile application for SugarCRM that makes complex CRM workflows accessible on iOS and Android platforms with intuitive interfaces.

Mobile DevelopmentiOSAndroidCRM
ShoreTel Communicator

ShoreTel Communicator

A unified communications platform for web and MacOS that integrates voice, video, and messaging for enterprise users.

Unified CommunicationsWeb DevelopmentMacOSReal-time Systems
Ubiquiti AirControl

Ubiquiti AirControl

A network management system for discovering, configuring, and monitoring Ubiquiti wireless devices at scale with intuitive interfaces.

Network ManagementUI DesignSystem Architecture

Get In Touch

Have a project in mind or want to discuss a potential collaboration?

Contact Information

Location

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Connect with me