Home

About

Hi! I’m Moncho Pena 👋

moncho photo

I’m an engineering leader and hands-on CTO with more than 20 years of experience designing software products, leading teams, and operating production platforms. I’m passionate about building scalable systems, distributed architectures, and delivering real value through technology.

Currently, I’m leading technology at Riitmo in Madrid, where we’re building fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions powered by stable cryptocurrencies.

What I Do

I’m comfortable moving between strategy and execution: defining technical direction, improving engineering processes, supporting delivery, and staying close to architecture and infrastructure decisions. I’m known for pragmatic decision-making, strong ownership, and an open-source mindset.

Technical Focus:

  • Distributed systems, microservices, API design, and event-driven integrations
  • Backend development with Node.js, Go, PHP, and TypeScript
  • Frontend & mobile with React.js and React Native
  • Infrastructure: Docker, Kubernetes, ArgoCD, CI/CD, and Linux administration
  • Fintech products, payment systems, and regulated environments

Professional Journey

Over my career, I’ve worked across fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, and agency environments:

  • CTO at Riitmo (2025–Present) — Leading technology strategy for crypto-based cross-border payments
  • CTO at Marosa VAT (2023–2025) — Directed Kubernetes infrastructure migration and engineering coordination for VAT representation services across Europe
  • CTO at Rebellion (2017–2023) — Built mobile fintech product for prepaid debit cards, managing backend, APIs, security, and Kubernetes infrastructure
  • CTO at Storygami (2016–2017) — Oversaw infrastructure and technical coordination for a product serving 10,000+ users
  • CTO at Codigo (2014–2016) — Delivered social, CMS, e-commerce, and mobile products in London
  • CTO at Acticall (2011–2014) — Led technical decisions across products in France, Belgium, Italy, and Brazil
  • Co-Owner & CTO at Inforede (2004–2009) — Delivered services based on free software, served as secretary of AGASOL

Beyond Code

I’m a long-standing advocate of Free and Open Source Software. I really 💛 Arduino and have been an Arduino specialist and speaker in master’s-level courses. I’m also the author of a book about Arduino and Node.js.

I contribute to technical communities including GDG Ourense and JavaScript OU, and I regularly share knowledge through blog posts, talks, and community engagement.

Skills & Technologies

Languages & Frameworks:
Node.js, NestJS, Go, PHP, TypeScript, JavaScript, React.js, React Native, AngularJS, Ionic, C#, Bash

Infrastructure & DevOps:
Kubernetes, Docker, ArgoCD, Terraform, CI/CD, Nginx, Apache, Ansible, Linux administration

Platforms & Tools:
MongoDB, REST APIs, WebSockets, CMS platforms (Drupal, WordPress, TYPO3), e-commerce systems

Hardware & Embedded:
Arduino, Processing, PIC integrations

Education

  • Agricultural Engineer — University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (1997)

Languages

  • Spanish — Native
  • English — Conversational / professional working level

Get in Touch

You can find me on:

Or reach me at: ramon.pena.rodriguez@gmail.com