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I bootstrapped Jscrambler in 2010 along with another co-founder. For years we researched and developed technology around finding fraudulent web traffic. We even did a QREN research project with INESC TEC (AuditService 2.0) on device tracking on the web.

But in 2010 we started focusing on JavaScript code protection. We’ve built a JavaScript formal compiler with a number of code transformations that aim to make the code resilient against tampering and reverse engineering attacks. We fully developed the technology and are successfully selling it to some of the most well known companies in the world in the last few years. More recently we rolled out a new product for Website integrity where we can detect and remove any malicious modification to a website’s DOM. It was a huge investment and we have great expectations in taking it to the market.

During these last few years, I’ve been covering many different functions in the company: R&D coordination, business development, evangelization, sales, etc. My past experience at INESC TEC was very helpful in mastering these responsibilities because, even though I didn’t have these responsibilities then, I brought the same type of mindset and culture to Jscrambler. It also helped me become a better communicator, which was essential in becoming a regular speaker at well-known security conferences.

Three patents (pending) resulted from our research. Again, I didn’t work on patents while at INESC TEC. I now know that it not an easy task. But we wouldn’t have a chance if we weren’t innovating. When you work at INESC TEC you are taught how to seek innovation and you more or less develop a six sense for it. That six sense has been fruitful.

It wasn’t a problem adjusting from an academic setting to a startup and industry environment because in the beginning it was just like a research group. The thought part was learning how to sell technology. Knowing how to commercialize technology well is a rare trait in researchers. And one that is hard to learn. Fortunately, our entrepreneurial ecosystem is becoming stronger, and it is now in much better shape to help researchers create new startups. The University of Porto’s Technology and Science Park (UPTEC) and its Startup Program and the Scaleup Program of the Porto’s Municipality are excellent (and local) examples.

Today, my work is much more focused on technology evangelization, product steering and R&D – and less on managing the daily life of a software development company. I spend a lot of time abroad, especially in the United States. As you scale a technology/innovation focused company, you get a chance to learn a lot and to grow tremendously. You are permanently outside your comfort zone, and that’s great.