Gabo Esquivel - Backend Development Experience

Throughout my career, I've architected and implemented robust backend systems that power modern applications across various domains. My backend expertise spans multiple programming languages, database technologies, and cloud platforms, with a focus on building scalable, maintainable services that support business objectives.

Early Backend Development

I adopted Node.js in Latin America around 2010-2011, when server-side JavaScript was emerging. To build a regional community around this technology, I founded Costa Rica JS to promote server-side JavaScript technologies throughout the region. Through NodeSchool workshops and regular meetups, I helped local developers adopt JavaScript for both client and server development. In 2014, I applied this expertise to build 4Tius Fitness Data Tracker, implementing a fitness analytics platform with AWS, MongoDB, and Node.js. The system processed wearable device data and served analytics via RESTful APIs, leveraging Node.js for real-time data handling.

In 2015, I joined Wink, Costa Rica's first neo-bank, where I developed backend services that integrated with partner banks' systems. I implemented secure biometric authentication and transaction processing systems, laying the foundation for my later work in financial applications. This experience taught me the importance of security, reliability, and compliance in backend systems handling sensitive financial data.

Financial Systems

Building on my experience at Wink, I continued developing backend systems for financial applications. At Knowledge.io (2017), I built backend services for their token rewards dashboard, implementing systems to manage expertise metrics and decentralized identity.

Later, at BitcashBank (2020-2021), I developed sophisticated backend infrastructure for cryptocurrency exchange. This included implementing a P2P trading system and creating overcollateralized crypto stablecoins with high availability and security requirements. These projects demonstrated my ability to build complex financial systems that handle transactions securely and efficiently.

Blockchain Infrastructure

From 2018 to 2020 at EOS Costa Rica, I worked extensively with blockchain infrastructure. I played a key role in the EOS mainnet launch and managed validators for multiple networks. A highlight of this period was building a custom private blockchain for Grant Thornton to handle intercompany transactions and tax management using stablecoins, featuring immutable audit trails via IPFS and public proof publication.

For EOS Rate, I developed backend services to support the community-driven Block Producer rating tool, implementing data aggregation and secure voting mechanisms that became widely adopted in the EOS ecosystem.

Data Management & GraphQL

In 2020, I created ChainGraph, a specialized real-time GraphQL toolkit for blockchain applications. This project represented a significant advancement in how developers could interact with blockchain data, enabling efficient data subscriptions and querying across multiple blockchains. ChainGraph featured sophisticated blockchain data indexing and event streaming capabilities, showcasing my expertise in designing efficient data models and APIs for complex applications.

Blockchain Data Indexing

Building on my blockchain experience, I developed specialized data indexing solutions for various projects. At RareMint (2021), I built an EVM NFT data indexer using Moralis streams to support their NFT marketplace for digitized sports collectibles.

For dBoard (2021-2022), I oversaw the technical architecture and smart contract development for DAO governance, enhancing community voting mechanisms with secure and transparent processes.

At BitLauncher (2022-2023), I built a custom indexer for EOS EVM using Node.js with Viem EVM event subscriptions, enabling real-time transaction monitoring and analytics. For Opyn (2023), I set up a Ponder indexing service with PostgreSQL for chain data, creating efficient data structures for options protocol information.

Cloud Architecture & DevOps

Throughout my career, I've implemented modern cloud architecture principles in my backend systems. At Knowledge.io (2017), I built scalable serverless infrastructure using AWS to support their ICO platform. For BitcashBank (2020-2021), I designed cloud infrastructure focused on handling financial transactions with high availability and security requirements.

My experience spans AWS, GCP, and various serverless technologies, allowing me to build scalable, cost-efficient solutions tailored to specific project needs. As a fullstack developer, I connect these backend systems with modern interfaces, implementing CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration, and infrastructure as code practices to ensure reliable deployments and operations.

AI & Vector Search Systems

Since 2023, I've focused increasingly on integrating AI capabilities into backend systems. At Masterbots (2023-2024), I developed specialized AI agents and chatbot interfaces, implementing backends that efficiently process complex user queries while managing large knowledge bases.

For BitLauncher (2022-2024), I implemented a chatbot assistant for document retrieval using the experimental RSC AI SDK, enhancing user interaction and information access. Most recently, for LegalAgent's AI assistant (2024-2025), I built a secure RAG architecture on GCP that handles sensitive legal documents while maintaining strict privacy requirements. These projects showcase my ability to build retrieval-augmented generation systems using vector databases like Supabase with pgvector, enabling sophisticated, context-aware AI interactions.