THE PERSON BEHIND THE WORK

João FarinhaBusiness and technology, in the same person.

I understand operations. Identify opportunities. Build solutions.

Madeira, Portugal

João Farinha · BUSINESS × TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS × TECHNOLOGY

My background started in sports management and developed into digital operations and building AI products. That combination gives me two perspectives on a project: the person who needs to run the business and the person who can build the solution.

Since September 2026, I have been a Technology and Digital Project Manager at Startup Madeira. Previously, I worked at Oktogon Labs on digital operations, internal tools and AI products.

At Surf Clube da Madeira, I developed the website, a custom ERP/CRM and a WhatsApp AI assistant that completed autonomous sales on its first day in production.

My background

2013 — 2026

Startup Madeira
Sep 2026 — Present
Technology & Digital Project ManagerCurrent
Technology and digital project management, connecting business, innovation and implementation.
Oktogon Labs
Jan — Aug 2026
AI Product Builder
Built internal tools, go-to-market automations and AI product prototypes. Supported consulting and implementation projects for clients.
Oktogon Labs
Sep — Dec 2025
Digital Operations Engineer (Junior)
Improved sales, marketing and product operations through internal tools, workflow automation and data analysis.
Surf Clube da Madeira
Since 2023
Product Manager · Digital transformation
Developed the website, a custom ERP/CRM and AI for WhatsApp sales. The AI completed autonomous sales on its first day in production. Managed projects, partnerships and European funding applications.
Self-employed
Jul 2013 — Jan 2023
Surf Instructor
Taught surf at schools in Madeira to students from around the world. Built experience in communication, operational responsibility and customer relationships.
ASRAM
Nov 2021 — Oct 2022
Management Trainee
Surf Association of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Built and managed the WordPress website, digital communications, administration and events.
Portuguese Olympic Committee
Feb — Jun 2021
Intern · Studies & Projects
Developed a strategic plan proposal for the Olympic Education Programme and a sponsorship proposal for the Sports Science Awards.
Regional Directorate for Sport
Jul — Aug 2020
Intern · Sports Facilities Management
Supported public sports facility management and learned procedures for bookings, fees and funding applications.
CS Marítimo
Jul — Aug 2019
Intern · Amateur Sports Management
Voluntary internship supporting and monitoring sports management activities.