About the career development and the opportunities available

1. Career Journey, Tech
Opportunities, and the Startup
World - Navigating the Exciting
Landscape of Tech Innovation
By Vagish Vela

2. Meet me
Vagish Vela
Tamilian 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Entrepreneur
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vagish/

3. An Unexpected Journey: London, Technology, and a
Pond-Crossing Love Story.
● Born and bred in England, my journey started in the hustle and bustle of London, where I immersed
myself in the tech scene and nurtured my love for software development.
● However, my journey took an unexpected turn when love brought me across the pond to the USA.
This change of scenery offered new perspectives and opportunities, further deepening my
fascination with technology and the startup space.
● Navigating different cultures and work environments allowed me to broaden my horizon, adapt,
and understand the universal language of software development and its power to solve complex
problems. But most importantly, it taught me that in life, as in software, adaptability and resilience
are key.
Embrace change and be open to unexpected turns in your journey. They often lead to
invaluable experiences and opportunities that shape you both professionally and personally. In
a world as dynamic as technology, adaptability, resilience, and an open mind are your greatest

4. The beginning

5. How the Right Foundations Pave the Way to Success.
● From my beginnings in London, my career journey has taken me around the world, from corporate
roles to heading startups. Throughout this journey, the value of a solid foundation became clear.
● My foundation in software development allowed me to excel in my role at Owens Corning and
later start my own companies. My understanding of software architecture and marketing
strategies served as the basis for delivering successful products and services.
● The right foundation wasn't only about technical skills. It was also about the ability to work well
with teams, manage projects, and drive strategic decisions - skills that were crucial in all of my
roles, from VTAKU to Lingua Fonica and GEM Technologies.
A strong foundation, both in terms of technical skills and interpersonal abilities, has been the
cornerstone of my success. As aspiring engineers, investing in your foundation now can pay
huge dividends in your future careers.

6. Mastering the Craft: Software, Leadership, and the
Love of Learning.
● My passion for software and my drive to lead brought me to where I am today. From building
dynamic web applications to leading a team of developers, it's been a thrilling ride.
● During my tenure as the Chief Technology Officer at RevisePal, I led an international developer
team and managed the infrastructure as well as various databases and platforms. It was this
combination of tech knowledge and leadership that helped grow our tech stack to over 12k+ users.
● Learning has always been an integral part of my journey. Whether it's mastering a new
programming language or understanding a new market, constant learning keeps me ahead of the
curve and ready to tackle any challenge.
Mastery in your field, leadership skills, and a love for learning are three key ingredients for
success in tech. It's not just about understanding the latest technology trends, but also about
having the leadership skills to guide a team and the thirst for knowledge to keep improving.

7. Speaking Out Loud: Turning Ideas into Influential
Words.
● Throughout my career, I've learned the value of effective communication and turned it into an
asset. My journey as a speaker began in 2018, and it has taken me all over the world.
● I've addressed diverse audiences on a variety of subjects, from leveraging AI tools like GitHub
Copilot for software development to conducting workshops on Firebase and NextJS. Every talk is
an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, and inspire others in the field.
● One of my proudest moments was speaking at TEDxBGSU, where I was able to share my insights
and thoughts in a broader context. Public speaking has allowed me to extend my influence beyond
my immediate professional circle and make an impact on a global scale.
Transforming ideas into influential words is an art. Mastering it allows you to share your
insights, inspire others, and make a broader impact in your field. Effective communication is a
vital skill in the tech industry that can open up new opportunities and avenues for growth and
influence.

8. Success is the Sum of Small Efforts: Certifications
and Honors.
● Throughout my career, I understood the importance of continuous learning and improvement. This
led me to earn several certifications like 'Web Programming using PHP/MySQL' and 'Mobile App
Analytics Fundamentals', which were instrumental in honing my skills and staying relevant in the
ever-evolving tech industry.
● My efforts didn't go unnoticed. I was honored with 'The Progressive Insurance Outstanding
Computer Science Student Award', a testament to the determination and passion I invested in my
craft.
● All these small steps, from gaining certifications to being recognized for my work, added up over
time, contributing significantly to my career success.
Success doesn't come overnight; it's the cumulative result of consistent effort, continual
learning, and an unwavering passion for your craft. Each certification you earn, each challenge
you overcome, adds up, shaping you into a versatile and effective professional.

9. The pivot

10. Leap of Faith: How a Corporate Job Led to a Startup
Journey.
● In my early career, I joined a rotational development program at Owens Corning. This program was
an incredible opportunity, exposing me to various aspects of the tech industry, different roles and
responsibilities, and corporate work culture.
● I focused on Strategic Marketing during this program, which not only refined my technical skills
but also helped me understand the intricacies of product development, market positioning, and the
power of communication in driving product adoption.
● These experiences at Owens Corning, combined with my acquired technical skills and strategic
marketing insights, ultimately paved the way for me to venture into building startups. The
exposure and knowledge gained here were instrumental in my ability to identify market gaps,
devise unique solutions, and lead innovative teams.
A solid foundation in corporate settings, diverse roles, and specialized skills can fuel the
transition to startup entrepreneurship, providing the necessary insight and experience to
succeed.

11. Embarking on an Adventure: Exploring the World of
Startups.
● After my corporate journey, I ventured into the exhilarating world of startups. Startups, unlike
established corporations, offer the thrill of creating something new, the risk of the unknown, and
the reward of making a significant impact.
● I co-founded GEM Technologies, where we worked on the intersection of technology and
agriculture, using a Genotype by Environment by Management model to cultivate the world's
juiciest tomatoes. It was a unique opportunity to make a mark in the AgTech sector.
● My next venture was Lingua Fonica, a custom language learning platform. We want to
revolutionize language learning by providing localized learning experiences, utilizing AI and
Machine Learning to generate unique content.
The world of startups is a thrilling space to apply your skills and make a tangible impact.
Identifying unique challenges and using technology to offer innovative solutions can lead to
meaningful career satisfaction.

12. Bringing Science to Your Plate: The Story of Creating
the World's Juiciest Tomato
● At GEM Technologies, our goal was to enhance the quality of produce using technology. We
specifically focused on creating the world's juiciest tomato, a challenge that was both exciting and
demanding.
● We utilized a Genotype x Environment x Management (GxExM) model, a method that optimizes
genetic potential, environmental conditions, and management practices for best crop results. By
leveraging cutting-edge technology, we were able to monitor and control every aspect of the
tomato growth process.
● Through careful analysis, constant monitoring, and real-time adjustments, we were on track to
achieve our goal - a tomato variety with enhanced juiciness and flavor. This venture demonstrated
the transformative potential of technology in agriculture.
The application of engineering skills isn't limited to conventional sectors. Leveraging
technology can lead to innovative solutions even in fields like agriculture, demonstrating the
limitless potential of engineering.

13. Language Learning Redefined: Breaking Down
Barriers with Lingua Fonica.
● With Lingua Fonica, our vision was to transform the way people learn languages. We noticed a gap
in traditional language learning methods that didn't cater to regional and cultural nuances.
● We developed a language learning platform that focused on delivering localized learning
experiences. The idea was to understand the learner's environment and cultural context, and use
that knowledge to make language learning more engaging and effective.
● We are using Language Learning Models (LLMs) to generate unique content. This allows us to
speed up the learning process and improve the overall learning experience.
Technological advancements can significantly improve traditional processes, even in fields like
language learning. Understanding user needs and utilizing technology to deliver personalized
solutions can lead to revolutionary products.

14. Fast-tracking Developer Workflow with the Magic of
LLMs.
● In the developer world, efficiency is king. With the increasing complexity of projects and
demanding timelines, we constantly seek ways to speed up our workflow.
● At Lingua Fonica, we introduced Language Learning Models (LLMs) to our development process.
These models, traditionally used in language learning, were repurposed to facilitate content
creation and accelerate the developer experience.
● By leveraging LLMs, we were able to generate unique content quickly, easing the development
process and allowing our team to focus on critical problem-solving tasks. This is a prime example of
how innovative applications of existing technology can drive productivity.
Creativity in technology isn't just about building new tools; it's also about finding new ways to
use existing ones. Using LLMs to streamline development tasks is a demonstration of how
thinking outside the box can optimize workflows.

15. You don’t need to be a leader
to lead.

16. The cheeky pitch

17. Software Architecture Meets Global Impact at VTAKU
● At VTAKU, our mission is to create cutting-edge software solutions that serve a diverse global
clientele. Our work is not limited by industries or borders, making every project a unique challenge
and an opportunity to make a global impact.
● In my role as a Software Architect, I lead a diverse team of engineers, developers, UX designers,
and digital marketers to deliver tailor-made solutions. We leverage a plethora of technologies
including ReactJS, NextJS, Ruby on Rails, Python, GraphQL, and more.
● Our projects span AI, Machine Learning, Web, and Mobile development for startups and mid-sized
businesses worldwide. Working in such a dynamic environment is not just exciting, it's also
incredibly rewarding as we watch our software solutions empower businesses around the world.
Software engineering offers a platform to make a global impact. By understanding clients'
needs and applying appropriate technology solutions, you can help shape the future of
numerous industries and businesses across the world.

18. Join the VTAKU family: Where Innovation, Learning,
and Growth Meet.
● VTAKU isn't just about developing innovative software solutions; it's about cultivating an
environment where curiosity, learning, and personal growth are nurtured.
● We're always looking to welcome fresh, talented individuals into our family. Currently, we have
open positions for interns and junior developers with a passion for AI, ML, Web, and Mobile
development.
● By joining VTAKU, you'll have an opportunity to work on exciting global projects, learn from
industry experts, and contribute to high-impact initiatives. It's not just a job; it's an opportunity to
broaden your horizons and grow both personally and professionally.
The best workplaces are those that offer opportunities for growth, learning, and the chance to
work on meaningful, impactful projects. At VTAKU, you can find all of these while being part of
a global community of tech enthusiasts.

19. Your future

20. Dream Big, Start Small: Your Tech Career is Waiting.
● Whether you're starting as an intern or a junior engineer, remember that every great journey
begins with a single step. Your tech and engineering career is no different.
● Embrace opportunities to learn and grow, whether that's mastering a new programming language,
solving a complex software challenge, or contributing to a game-changing project.
● Always remember, the tech industry is not just about coding. It's about creativity, innovation,
teamwork, and making a positive impact in the world. So dream big, start small, and watch as your
tech career takes off!
Every successful career begins with a dream and a step forward. Embrace learning
opportunities, persevere through challenges, and keep your goals in sight. Your tech career is a
journey, not a sprint, and each step you take is a step towards success.

21. Making Waves: How You Can Shape the Future of
Technology.
● As budding engineers, you are not just witnesses to the ongoing technological revolution. You are
the movers and shapers of it.
● Whether it's creating a groundbreaking app, developing a life-saving AI algorithm, or innovating
the next big thing in tech, the opportunities are endless.
● Your passion, creativity, and technical expertise can bring meaningful change, solve real-world
problems, and ultimately, shape the future of technology. So, don't be afraid to dream big, think out
of the box, and make your mark in the tech world.
The future of technology lies in your hands. Your skills, ideas, and passion can lead to
groundbreaking innovations. Don't just dream about the future, be the one to create it.

22. The Future is Tech, and You're
Invited.

23. Your Curiosity is Welcomed Here: It's Time for Q&A.