Gilles Crofils

Gilles Crofils

Hands-On Chief Technology Officer

Based in Western Europe, I'm a tech enthusiast with a track record of successfully leading digital projects for both local and global companies.1974 Birth.
1984 Delved into coding.
1999 Failed my First Startup in Science Popularization.
2010 Co-founded an IT Services Company in Paris/Beijing.
2017 Led a Transformation Plan for SwitchUp in Berlin.
May 2025 Eager to Build the Next Milestone Together with You.

Breaking Barriers in Tech Entrepreneurship

Abstract:

The tech industry, historically dominated by men, is witnessing a transformative shift as more women step into entrepreneurial roles, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. This movement isn't just about gender diversity; it's about leveraging unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the table, which are critical for creating comprehensive solutions and fostering inclusive work environments. From startup culture to leadership, female founders are redefining success, overcoming challenges, and inspiring a new generation of tech enthusiasts. Their contributions emphasize the importance of diversity in leadership roles, not only as a matter of fairness but also as a crucial element for innovation and business growth. This article explores the achievements, challenges, and the undeniable impact of women in tech entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.

Create an abstract concept landscape representing the transformative shift in the technology industry championed by an Asian woman, Black woman, White woman, and Middle-Eastern woman. These women, shown with varying body types, hairstyles, and attire, stand with confidence on innovative digital platforms floating against a futuristic skyline. Each platform holds symbols of startup culture, leadership, and technological advancement. Include visual metaphors such as digital vines entwining the platforms, signifying growth and connection, and glowing spheres illustrating ideas and solutions being cultivated and released into the atmosphere. The sky transitions from a deep, dark blue at the bottom, metaphorical for the past, to a vividly bright tone at the top, a symbol of the hopeful future molded by these pioneers. The abstract image should convey the message of women propelling innovation, surmounting challenges, and inspiring a new generation, ultimately reshaping the future of technology with inclusivity and diversity at its core.
Breaking Barriers in Tech Entrepreneurship

As a Chief Technology Officer deeply entrenched in the tech industry, I've witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have occurred over the past few decades. Historically, this sector has been a boys' club, but the recent influx of women stepping into entrepreneurial roles is not just refreshing—it's revolutionary. This movement is far more significant than simply adding a touch of femininity to the boardroom. Women bring unique perspectives and skills that are indispensable in crafting comprehensive solutions and fostering environments where innovation doesn't just blossom; it thrives. Female founders are not just participating in the startup culture; they're redefining what success looks like in tech, one breakthrough at a time.

Let's talk about the achievements of women in tech entrepreneurship. From developing groundbreaking technologies to securing significant investment rounds, these women are not playing the game; they're changing how it's played. Their companies are not only successful in terms of financial metrics but also in how they contribute to societal advancements. These achievements are crucial. They serve as beacons of possibility for a new generation of women and girls who dream of making their mark in technology. But beyond the glitz of success stories lies a stark reality—these victories are hard-won in a field that often feels like navigating a labyrinth designed for someone else.

The path to success in tech entrepreneurship for women is fraught with challenges. Despite the progress, gender bias, and unequal access to funding remain formidable barriers. Women often have to work twice as hard to prove their worth and to shatter the glass ceilings that, quite frankly, should have never been there in the first place. But here's where the magic happens: in the face of these challenges, women entrepreneurs have become masters of innovation and resilience. They've turned obstacles into stepping stones, leveraging their unique experiences and insights to build more inclusive and successful businesses. This resilience isn't just inspiring; it's a blueprint for how to navigate the complexities of the tech industry with grace and determination.

Finally, the undeniable impact of women in tech entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. This isn't merely about gender diversity for the sake of appearances. The inclusion of women in leadership roles is a critical driver for innovation and business growth. Diverse teams are more creative, better at solving problems, and, ultimately, more successful. Female tech entrepreneurs are not just participating in the industry; they're transforming it, ensuring that the future of technology is bright, inclusive, and boundlessly innovative. Their contributions underscore the fact that diversity isn't just nice to have; it's essential. As we move forward, the tech industry must continue to break down barriers and champion diversity, not as a mere checkbox but as a cornerstone of our collective success.

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25 Years in IT: A Journey of Expertise

2024-

My Own Adventures
(Lisbon/Remote)

AI Enthusiast & Explorer
As Head of My Own Adventures, I’ve delved into AI, not just as a hobby but as a full-blown quest. I’ve led ambitious personal projects, challenged the frontiers of my own curiosity, and explored the vast realms of machine learning. No deadlines or stress—just the occasional existential crisis about AI taking over the world.

2017 - 2023

SwitchUp
(Berlin/Remote)

Hands-On Chief Technology Officer
For this rapidly growing startup, established in 2014 and focused on developing a smart assistant for managing energy subscription plans, I led a transformative initiative to shift from a monolithic Rails application to a scalable, high-load architecture based on microservices.
More...

2010 - 2017

Second Bureau
(Beijing/Paris)

CTO / Managing Director Asia
I played a pivotal role as a CTO and Managing director of this IT Services company, where we specialized in assisting local, state-owned, and international companies in crafting and implementing their digital marketing strategies. I hired and managed a team of 17 engineers.
More...

SwitchUp Logo

SwitchUp
SwitchUp is dedicated to creating a smart assistant designed to oversee customer energy contracts, consistently searching the market for better offers.

In 2017, I joined the company to lead a transformation plan towards a scalable solution. Since then, the company has grown to manage 200,000 regular customers, with the capacity to optimize up to 30,000 plans each month.Role:
In my role as Hands-On CTO, I:
- Architected a future-proof microservices-based solution.
- Developed and championed a multi-year roadmap for tech development.
- Built and managed a high-performing engineering team.
- Contributed directly to maintaining and evolving the legacy system for optimal performance.
Challenges:
Balancing short-term needs with long-term vision was crucial for this rapidly scaling business. Resource constraints demanded strategic prioritization. Addressing urgent requirements like launching new collaborations quickly could compromise long-term architectural stability and scalability, potentially hindering future integration and codebase sustainability.
Technologies:
Proficient in Ruby (versions 2 and 3), Ruby on Rails (versions 4 to 7), AWS, Heroku, Redis, Tailwind CSS, JWT, and implementing microservices architectures.

Arik Meyer's Endorsement of Gilles Crofils
Second Bureau Logo

Second Bureau
Second Bureau was a French company that I founded with a partner experienced in the e-retail.
Rooted in agile methods, we assisted our clients in making or optimizing their internet presence - e-commerce, m-commerce and social marketing. Our multicultural teams located in Beijing and Paris supported French companies in their ventures into the Chinese market

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