Gabo Esquivel - Professional Journey

I began my tech career at CenfoTec University in San José in 2006, where I discovered a passion for software product development. By 2008, I was building custom WordPress solutions for businesses at InterGraphicDESIGNS. In 2009, I joined American Express as a UI Engineer, helping modernize their web platform and implement responsive layouts.

In 2010, I founded Costa Rica JS, which grew into Central America's largest JavaScript community with over 2,000 developers. This community became a driving force in the region's tech ecosystem as Node.js and modern single pageframeworks gained prominence.

Freelance Work

My community work opened doors to freelancing across industries.

Projects included:

• A tennis tournament management system for Fantasy Tennis
• A flight display system for ARINC Microfids
• A fitness tracking app that connected with Fitbit for 4Tius
• An energy usage monitoring tool for Gridium
• A movie streaming app for AMC Networks
• An online marketplace for Bureau of Trade integrated with eBay
• The community website for Elder Scrolls Online
• A restaurant recommendation service for Eat Arcade in NYC

Digital Banking

In 2015, I became Software Architect at Wink, Costa Rica's first digital bank. I led development of their mobile banking platform, including biometric verification and core banking integrations. I was responsible for technology selection, project planning, recruiting and training developers, and API integration with partner bank and vendors.

Entering Web3

I started Web3 in 2017 at Knowledge.io, where I developed an ERC20 token, supported their ICO, and built a Web3 marketplace. That same year, I co-founded AsoBlockchain, Costa Rica's Blockchain Association, and organized CryptoCantinaCR meetups.

At EOS Costa Rica, I contributed to the EOS Mainnet launch, managed EOSIO validators, and architected a private blockchain for Grant Thornton Labs to streamline intercompany transactions and tax management using stablecoins and IPFS. I also developed EOS Rate, a widely used community rating tool for Block Producers, while leading workshops and meetups.

Consumer Web3 & DeFi

Between 2019–2021, I worked on:

• Emanate: a music streaming platform with onchain artist revenue distribution
• Sense Chat: a secure messaging app with wallet and token incentives
• Bitcash: a P2P exchange with crypto-collateralized stablecoins, browser-based signing, QR authentication, real-time chat, and blockchain indexing

In 2021, at RareMint, I optimized their NFT marketplace for digitized sports collectibles by building a specialized EVM NFT indexer and implementing SSR.

In 2022, at ZTX, I delivered the foundational React architecture and wallet connectivity for its blockchain-enabled virtual world.

AI & Web3 Convergence

Since late 2022, I've been leading development at Bitlauncher.ai, an AI and crypto launchpad. My work spans cross-chain token bridges, real-time bidding systems, AI chatbots with RAG, and AI-assisted development workflows.

In 2023, I worked with Opyn, a decentralized options protocol on Arbitrum, developing their initial trading interface and data indexing system. This sharpened my expertise in financial primitives like composability, capital efficiency, and risk management.

At Masterbots.ai, in 2024, I architected the Next.js application and developed a platform with specialized chatbots and AI-driven workflows.

At LegalAgent in 2025, I integrated an AI assistant into their app, combining voice and chat interfaces to enhance productivity and case file access.

My Approach

With 15+ years of experience, I work as a product engineer who bridges technical execution with user experience. My focus remains on emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, focusing on solving real human problems and delivering tangible value. I combine technical expertise with product thinking to create solutions that are innovative, practical, and user-centric, ensuring technology enhances human capabilities and improves everyday life.