Dinghy Web & Mobile
Revolutionary online insurance platform for mobile and web, serving multiple insurers across the UK and USA
Overview
- Primary Role
- Tech Lead
- Team Size
- 10 people
- Duration
- 5 years
- Budget
- ~$3,000,000 USD
- Location
- London 🇬🇧
TL;DR
- In a startup setting, took on multiple roles including Software Architect, Lead Developer, Team Manager, and Product Manager
- Key features developed include a product builder, dynamic pricing engine, pay-per-second billing, document generation, self-service portal, agent web app, automated processing, real-time analytics, and third-party integrations
- Contributions include designing a scalable system, selecting optimal tools, establishing efficient workflows, mentoring the team, hiring talent from Ukraine, and maintaining team morale
- Achievements include building the team from scratch and creating a modular architecture that reduced the time to launch new insurance products to just 2-3 weeks
Responsibilities
In the startup environment, my role encompassed various responsibilities. I acted as a Software Architect, Lead Developer, Team Manager, and occasionally a Product Manager. Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing all these hats!
Management Achievements
As one of the first developers on the project, I played a key role in building the team from the ground up. Conducted interviews and hired new developers, forming a strong team. Organized engaging team-building activities and facilitated meetings with clients in other countries. Ensured new team members were well-prepared to contribute by providing thorough training and mentorship.
Architectural Achievements
Designed a flexible system with a modular, LEGO-like architecture, making it easy to develop new insurance products quickly. This innovative design enabled rapid and efficient product development, allowing the platform to adapt and grow seamlessly.
As a result, launching a new insurance product typically took just 2-3 weeks.
Features
- Product Builder: Quickly launch new insurance products with ease
- Dynamic Pricing Engine: Create custom pricing formulas without needing a developer
- Pay-Per-Second Billing: Implement a flexible billing system for insurance products
- Document Generation: Automatically generate insurance documents and certificates
- Self-Service Portal: Allow customers to manage their policies independently
- Agent Web App: Provide insurance agents with a web app to manage policies and claims
- Automated Processing: Streamline underwriting and claims processing with automation
- Real-Time Analytics: Access real-time analytics and reporting for better decision-making
- Third-Party Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with services like QuickBooks, Salesforce, Stripe, Twilio, and SendGrid
Key Contributions
- Building Blocks: Designed a robust and adaptable system capable of scaling and evolving effortlessly
- Choosing Tools: Selected the best tools and technologies to ensure the platform's optimal performance
- Smooth Workflows: Established efficient and automated workflows for the tech team, boosting overall productivity
- Team Learning: Mentored and guided team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Hiring Team: Recruited talented individuals from Ukraine, saving costs and building a high-performing team
- Happy Team: Maintained team morale and motivation through humor and encouragement, creating a fun and collaborative work environment