Dario Lo Giudice

Dario Lo Giudice

Chief Technology Officer, Innovation Manager, Project Manager

Mascali (CT), Italy

#OpenToWork

About

I am a Chief Technology Officer and Innovation Manager with over 20 years of experience designing, building, and scaling digital platforms across Fintech, Equity Crowdfunding, E-commerce, and Web Applications. Most recently at BacktoWork (Intesa SanPaolo Group), I have co-founded three tech ventures and led multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects on time and on budget. My work spans technologies such as PHP (Laravel), JavaScript, Vue.js, AI integration including LLM and Generative AI, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. I have built and launched equity crowdfunding platforms, implemented Agile methodologies, and integrated cybersecurity and compliance standards while collaborating closely with C-level stakeholders and academic research institutions.

Experience

Innovation Manager & Partner

Connessi In — University of Catania Spin-off

Mar 2025 – Present

Innovation management for Italian SMEs through collaborative methodologies developed in academic environments. ▸ Strategic Innovation Leadership: Define and drive innovation strategies to foster technological advancement and organizational growth for client SMEs. ▸ Business Development: Develop partnerships with companies, institutions and research bodies to extend impact at local, national and international level. ▸ Coaching & Conflict Management: Design and deliver corporate coaching and conflict management programs based on business-theatre methodologies. ▸ Project Management: Supervise innovation-driven projects ensuring on-time delivery and measurable business impact. ▸ Academia–Industry Integration: Bridge between University of Catania research and operational business solutions. Key results: ▸ Launched new integrated service offerings (training + innovation) with high added value. ▸ Expanded the network through collaborations with multiple SMEs and public institutions. ▸ Contributed to innovative methodologies recognized in both academic and professional contexts.

Innovation ManagementProject ManagementBusiness Development

Senior Technology Consultant

IPress — Integrated Communication Agency

Feb 2010 – Present

Strategic IT and digital consulting for a communication agency and its corporate clients. ▸ Technology Assessment: Analyzed the technology stack and processes, identifying improvement areas and potential risks. ▸ Strategic Recommendations: Advised on the integration of cutting-edge tools to keep the agency competitive in the digital landscape. ▸ Team Collaboration: Worked alongside internal technical teams, sharing insights and best practices in web development and design. ▸ Client Solutions: Designed and optimized custom web solutions aligned with client business needs and goals. ▸ Operational Efficiency: Streamlined project workflows and introduced Agile methodologies to improve delivery and productivity. ▸ Training & Development: Conducted workshops and training sessions to upskill staff on the latest web technologies and standards. Key results: ▸ Delivered a 25% increase in project efficiency through technology stack improvements. ▸ Mentored and trained 50+ agency professionals raising overall technical proficiency. ▸ Drove innovation, leading the introduction of new services and solutions in the agency portfolio.

Web DevelopmentAgileTechnology Assessment

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

Neatos Soc. Coop. a r.l.

Feb 2005 – Mar 2025

Web agency and software house specialized in full-stack digital solutions for SMEs, public bodies and universities. ▸ Strategic Technology Vision: Defined the agency's technology direction in line with mission and business goals. ▸ Web Development Oversight: Coordinated design, development and release of web solutions ranging from landing pages to complex e-commerce platforms. ▸ Team Leadership: Led a multidisciplinary team of developers, designers and digital strategists. ▸ Client Relationship: Worked directly with clients translating business needs into effective technical solutions. ▸ Stack Evolution: Periodically updated the technology stack to maintain competitiveness and quality. ▸ Quality Assurance: Implemented rigorous testing and quality control processes. ▸ Continuous Learning: Promoted continuous learning across the team on emerging technologies. ▸ Operational Efficiency: Streamlined internal processes from project management to deployment. Key results: ▸ Implemented a new web development framework yielding a 20% gain in project efficiency. ▸ Consistently delivered solutions exceeding client expectations, driving high retention. ▸ Delivered 100+ web projects across websites, portals, e-commerce and management apps.

Web DevelopmentE-commerceQuality Assurance

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

BacktoWork (Intesa SanPaolo Group)

Sep 2014 – Dec 2024

Leading Italian Equity Crowdfunding platform, CONSOB-authorized (Resolution n.19059 of 14/01/2015), acquired by Intesa SanPaolo Group. ▸ Strategic Technology Leadership: Defined the company technology vision in alignment with banking group business objectives. ▸ Platform Development: Designed, developed and launched a next-generation equity crowdfunding platform with optimized UX and secure transactions. ▸ Team Management: Coordinated multidisciplinary teams of software engineers, UX/UI designers, and data scientists fostering Agile culture and continuous improvement. ▸ Security & Compliance: Ensured highest data protection and cybersecurity standards; collaborated with Legal and Compliance teams on crowdfunding regulations. ▸ Scalability & Performance: Architected the platform to handle high concurrent user volumes with strong reliability and fast response times during traffic peaks. ▸ Innovation: Continuous research and integration of new technologies (AI, advanced analytics) to drive engagement and maintain competitive edge. ▸ Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with C-level executives, Product, Marketing and Customer Support to ensure a unified product vision. ▸ Analytics & Insight: Implemented robust data analytics tools to track usage patterns, identify improvement areas and support data-driven decisions. ▸ Budget Management: Oversaw the technology budget optimizing cost and quality. Key results: ▸ Successful platform launch with thousands of investors and startups onboarded in the early stage. ▸ Introduced Agile methodologies, reducing development cycles and accelerating time-to-market. ▸ Launched partnerships with Fintech and banking organizations enhancing payments and financial workflows. ▸ Successfully integrated technology and operations into the Intesa SanPaolo ecosystem after acquisition.

Equity CrowdfundingAgileCybersecurity

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

Equinvest S.r.l. (later BacktoWork S.r.l.)

Jan 2013 – Dec 2023

Equity Crowdfunding company registered with CONSOB n.12 (Resolution n.19059 of 14/01/2015). ▸ Designed and developed the equinvest.it equity crowdfunding platform. ▸ Built the internal project management web application for deal pipeline. ▸ Ensured full compliance with CONSOB regulations for equity crowdfunding portals.

Equity CrowdfundingCompliance
Xeelion LLC

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

Xeelion LLC

Jan 2013 – Dec 2015

US-based startup focused on an international crowdfunding platform. ▸ Designed and built end-to-end the Xeelion.com platform. ▸ Defined technical architecture and stack with international scalability in mind. ▸ Managed relationships with US-based technology partners and investors.

Platform ArchitectureCrowdfundingTechnical Leadership

Project Coordinator & IT Manager

Impianti Sud (Family Business)

Jan 1995 – Dec 2011

Family-owned company active in public works and technical installations. ▸ Hands-on experience in public works projects and engagement with public administrations. ▸ Site organization and worker safety management compliant with D.Lgs 626/94 and 235/03. ▸ Implemented the first IT solutions to support business operations and management workflows.

Project CoordinationIT ManagementSafety Compliance

Education

Liceo Scientifico

Liceo Scientifico

Scientific High School Diploma

Skills

Data AnalyticsEquity CrowdfundingGDPRCybersecurityCI/CDREST APIMicroservicesAzureAWSVue.jsJavaScriptLaravelPHPPrompt EngineeringLLMGenerative AIAI IntegrationKanbanScrumAgile

Languages

Italian (Native or bilingual proficiency)English (Full professional proficiency)Spanish (Limited working proficiency)