- Engineering
Learn what a forward deployed engineer does, how the role differs from traditional software engineering, and why hire one to support enterprise customers.
Petr Bela
Prague, Czechia
Innovating the Future of Social Media Through AI & Entrepreneurial Zeal
At the heart of my professional journey lies a core belief that our actions within the fleeting time allotted to us can shape the future. As Zealous.app's CTO, I steer the ship towards revolutionizing content marketing for audio mediums, leveraging AI to empower creators. My path woven through co-founding Flex TV and scaling Chute showcases a relentless pursuit of transformative tech solutions. A background with a M.S. in Computer Science, specialized in AI and machine learning, from Georgia Tec…
Experience
Zealous
Co-Founder, CTO
Mar 2019 - Present
Zealous is your AI assistant, turning all your recorded content into marketing that works
- Led the development of the Zealous digital platform, enhancing its capabilities for transcribing and marketing audio/video content through AI.
- Oversaw a team of engineers, mentoring them to drive product efficiency and innovation.
- Secured investment after participating in the Techstars Boulder W22 cohort, crucial for business scalability.
Plotaverse AI
Chief Technology Officer
Jul 2024 - Oct 2025
World's first Social AI Platform and Creative Apps Kit
- Rebuilt the Plotaverse platform using modern scalable architecture, enhancing system performance.
- Led the redesign and development of the mobile app across iOS, Android, and web platforms, boosting user engagement.
- Contributed to Plotaverse becoming the #1 App in the App Store with over 10 million downloads.
Techstars
Entrepreneur
Feb 2018 - May 2018
Techstars is the global platform for investment and innovation.
- Contributed to the Techstars Boulder 2018 cohort with Flex, propelling the startup's growth with top mentorship support.
- Leveraged network opportunities within Techstars to bring innovative solutions to market efficiently.
XTND
Technical Advisor
Aug 2017 - Jan 2019
XTND micro-mobility solution for daily commuting.
Phantom AR
Investor
Jun 2017 - Jan 2018
Phantom Cybernetics specializes in robotics and augmented reality technology.
Phantom AR
Investor
Jun 2017 - Jan 2018
Advancing Human-Machine Collaboration
Flex TV
Co-Founder, CTO
Sep 2016 - Feb 2019
Flex was a digital community-based fitness platform integrating Apple Watch for enhanced workout experiences.
- Developed and launched a digital community fitness platform, integrating Apple Watch functionalities.
- Orchestrated successful 'acqui-hire' of the company in 2019 despite initial market traction challenges.
- Pioneered community engagement strategies, leading to 20% higher user participation in fitness challenges.
Flex TV
Co-Founder, CTO
Sep 2016 - Feb 2019
We make working out not suck. Laugh & sweat through our classes while we track your reps to compare with the community.
- Architected the Flex TV platform integrating Apple Watch technology to track fitness metrics and enhance user engagement.
- Managed technical teams to foster a supportive digital community through competitions, challenges, and social features.
- Led the company to an acqui-hire in 2019 after positioning it as a pioneer in wearable tech fitness solutions.
Chute
Software Engineer
Aug 2012 - Mar 2016
IgniteTech provides a visual marketing automation platform for brands.
- Contributed to the development of custom solutions for brands like Nike and Red Bull, focusing on front-end development.
- Transitioned to a full-stack role, enhancing backend systems and architecting new front-end solutions.
- Improved the platform's codebase efficiency by 35%, leading to faster load times and smoother user interactions.
Chute
Software Engineer
Aug 2012 - Mar 2016
Chute was acquired by Ignite Technologies in June 2018.
- Transitioned from front-end development to full-stack engineering, expanding Chute's capabilities.
- Developed custom solutions for high-profile clients like Nike and Red Bull, enhancing brand engagement through visual media.
- Contributed to the architecture of Chute's back-end systems, streamlining operational processes.
Kdyjedes
Co-Founder, CTO
Jul 2012 - Jun 2013
Kdyjedes was a travel planning platform for train journeys.
- Architected and developed the entire system for online ticket sales and travel planning features.
- Successfully merged the platform with a larger company, allowing for continued growth and integration.
Startup Weekend Prague
Organiser
Jan 2012 - Mar 2012
Startup Weekend Prague organizes workshops and events for entrepreneurs.
- Successfully organized the first-ever Startup Weekend in the Czech Republic, fostering local entrepreneurial spirit.
- Coordinated logistics and partnerships, ensuring a smooth and impactful event experience for participants.
Studentive
Co-Founder & Lead Developer & Evangelist
Oct 2011 - Jul 2012
Studentive connected students with companies for practical experience.
- Led back-end engineering efforts to ensure seamless integration of student-company matching features.
- Engaged in customer sales and negotiations, paving the way for significant client partnerships.
- As the main developer, ensured stable platform performance and user satisfaction until company closure.
CA Technologies
Senior Software Engineer
Mar 2011 - Aug 2011
CA Technologies develops IT management software for enterprises.
- Developed server-side Java applications for enterprise-scale service monitoring and risk analysis.
- Integrated RESTful services, improving data accessibility for large networks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize platform performance and reduce response times.
Microsoft Corporation
Translator
Feb 2010 - May 2010
Microsoft is a software corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services.
- Successfully localized Visual Studio and Microsoft Wiki into Czech, contributing to the release of the first Czech version.
- Coordinated with localization teams, ensuring translation accuracy and timely project completion.
Tieto
Development Team Leader / Project Manager
Oct 2008 - Aug 2010
Tieto and EVRY merge to create the leading Nordic digital services company, promoting openness, trust and diversity. Information.
- Managed a team to convert legacy C++ applications to Java, modernizing technology for the Nordic banking sector.
- Integrated Agile methodologies, improving teamwork efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Engaged in pre-sales activities, contributing to new business acquisition.
Tieto
Development Team Leader / Project Manager
Oct 2008 - Aug 2010
TietoEVRY offers IT services and solutions in the Nordic region.
- Led a team of 4-6 developers to convert C++ applications to Java, improving system compatibility.
- Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in timely delivery and increased team productivity by 20%.
- Enhanced proprietary frameworks to accelerate development workflows and maintained high delivery standards.
TietoEnator
Software Specialist
Feb 2007 - Sep 2008
TietoEnator is a company.
MephaCentrum, a.s., Ostrava-Poruba
Network administrator
Jun 2006 - Dec 2006
MephaCentrum, a.s., Ostrava-Poruba is a company.
Freelancer
Web Developer
Jan 2001 - Jan 2006
freelancer is a company.
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