Carlos Lugones

• Led the rebranding of Connecton VPN to Diamonds VPN, enhancing brand clarity and market positioning
• Tripled sales within the first month of taking the position by implementing different strategies
• Scaled the platform from fewer than 80,000 users to nearly 300,000 users
• Turned the business profitable, shifting from monthly losses to positive cash flow
• Developed and executed a marketing strategy targeting users in countries with restricted internet, travelers, digital nomads, and crypto enthusiasts
• Introduced reverse VPN services, providing secure remote access solutions for businesses
• Enhanced system architecture, contributing to backend, frontend, and DevOps, resulting in improved traffic management and user experience
• Managed business operations, strategic partnerships, and paid advertising campaigns to drive growth
• Navigated financial challenges while ensuring service continuity and exploring expansion opportunities

Press references:

• Official blog

• Led the technical development of Connecton VPN, overseeing backend, frontend, DevOps, and system architecture
• Scaled the platform to over 80,000 users, ensuring high availability, security, and performance
• Designed and implemented privacy-focused infrastructure, minimizing data collection while maintaining compliance
• Developed a Telegram-based user management system, optimizing automation and user experience
• Built reverse VPN solutions, enabling secure remote access for businesses
• Managed server infrastructure, optimizing costs while improving reliability and scalability
• Contributed to business strategy, working alongside co-founders on growth and monetization plans
• Despite financial challenges, maintained service continuity and laid the groundwork for future growth

Press references:

• TON Foundation
• John Colivert
• CubaNet

• Developed and enhanced the REST API of a real estate platform serving users in Spain and Portugal, using Strapi
• Implemented new endpoints, optimized existing ones, and fixed bugs to improve system performance and stability
• Integrated Stripe for seamless and secure payment processing
• Worked closely with frontend developers, QA teams, and stakeholders to align development with business requirements

• Worked in an outsourcing agency with diverse and agile teams to help companies grow and launch products
• Contributed to internal projects and collaborated with leading US-based startups in the supply-chain sector
• Mentored interns, guiding them in their transition into the tech industry

• Created, launched, and operated a cryptocurrency payment gateway, supporting TON, HIVE, and HBD tokens
• Pioneered the first platform of its kind on the TON blockchain
• Managed the platform's operations until its closure due to lack of funding and partners transitioning to full-time jobs

Press references:

• PanamericanWorld.com

• Contributed to the early growth of Showwcase, an IT professional network
• Onboarded new users and advocated for the company's mission
• Created and nurtured communities that today have thousands of active members

• Created and launched the first Cuban podcasting platform, which powered the podcasting movement on the island
• Helped thousands of podcasters distribute their content while enabling consumers to save internet data
• The platform gained recognition in press outlets like The New York Times and inspired future projects
• CubaPod was eventually sunset due to resource constraints, low sales, and high traffic demands, with users seeking free services that made the platform unsustainable

Press references:

• New York Times (EN)
• New York Times (ES)
• Panamerican World
• Juventud Técnica
• CubaLite
• 14ymedio

• As the first entrepreneurship endeavor creating a startup, built and launched El Catre, the first Cuban e-commerce platform, designed for merchants to list and sell products online
• The platform is no longer operating due to challenges in meeting expected usage levels, market limitations, undeveloped national payment gateways, limited internet access, and an restrictive legal framework for startups

Press references:

• ADN Cuba
• CubaLlama
• Panamerican World

• Worked with various customers as a freelancer, contractor, or in small teams to deliver tailored projects
• Gained significant experience in understanding customer requirements, enhancing user experience, team management, and navigating the software life cycle