Seeking CTO for Plant Sitting App

CTO – Leaf'Em

Location: Remote (US required)
Compensation: Equity (co-founder level)

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What is Leaf'Em?

Leaf'Em is a two-sided marketplace connecting plant owners with trusted plant sitters. Think Rover, but for plants.

We’re building infrastructure for a category that already exists offline and is fragmented, underserved, and growing fast.

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Traction

This is not an idea-stage project.

• 2,700+ downloads & users
• In 37 states
• 270+ active sitters on the platform
• 14 markets with 5+ sitters (growing marketplace density)
• Consistent booking activity and repeat users

We’re early, but we have real usage, real transactions, and clear signals on what’s working.

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What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a CTO to take ownership of product and engineering as we scale.

This is not a “build from scratch” role. The app exists, users are active, and now we need someone who can:

• Ship new features quickly and reliably
• Own and improve the existing codebase
• Fix bugs and stabilize the product
• Prepare the platform for scale as we grow
• Act as a product owner, helping define what gets built and why

You will work directly with the founders (husband and wife team) and have a clear path to CTO.

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Tech Stack

• Frontend: Flutter (iOS + Android apps live in App Store and Google Play)
• Backend / Infra: AWS
• Admin Panel: React.js and Node.js web application (directly connected to the app ecosystem)

You should be comfortable working across the full stack and making pragmatic decisions to move the product forward.

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Responsibilities

• Own the full product development lifecycle
• Ship features from idea → production
• Maintain and improve existing Flutter codebase
• Manage backend services and AWS infrastructure
• Debug issues across mobile + backend systems
• Own testing and QA of your work (with support from the team)
• Improve performance, reliability, and scalability
• Contribute to product decisions, prioritization, and roadmap

* Support app store updates and releases

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This is:

• A true C-Suite with ownership and influence
• A chance to build in an emerging category with early traction
• A fast-moving, scrappy environment

This is not:

• A salaried engineering job
• A narrowly scoped dev role
• A passive “maintain what exists” position

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Compensation & Structure

• Equity-based (based on experience and commitment)
• CTO title with long-term ownership of engineering

This is an equity-based opportunity. We are not currently offering a salary, but our goal is to build a company where the founding team can transition into full-time compensated roles as we scale and secure funding.

We are looking for someone who wants meaningful ownership, long-term impact, and a true seat at the table as we grow Leaf'Em. Equity will be structured with a standard vesting schedule and based on experience, commitment, and role alignment.

We care a lot about working style and alignment. Before formalizing anything, we’ll collaborate on a clearly defined project together so both sides can evaluate fit.

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Ideal Background

• Experience shipping and maintaining mobile apps using Flutter, Google Play Store, Apple App Store
• Comfortable with AWS and backend systems
• Has worked on or owned production systems end-to-end
• Able to move fast without over-engineering
• Interested in startups, ownership, and building long-term value

Bonus points if you have:

• A genuine interest in plants or experience caring for them
• Experience with marketplaces
• Fundraising exposure

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Why This Is Interesting

• Existing traction in a niche with real demand
• Clear path to revenue growth and expansion
• Opportunity to define the technical foundation early
• Direct influence on product, strategy, and fundraising
• Early marketing efforts already in motion

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How to Reach Out

Send a note with:

• What you’ve built (apps, systems, or products you’ve owned end-to-end)
• Specific outcomes (users, revenue, scale, performance improvements, etc.)
• Your experience with Flutter, backend systems, and AWS
• Any experience with startups (fundraising, exits, or operating in early-stage environments)
• Where you're based
• Any formal education, certificates, degrees (not a requirement, but we want to know if you have it!)
  
• Links to projects, GitHub, or anything live
• Why you’re interested in Leaf'Em specifically

If it’s a fit, we’ll move quickly.