Hi, I'm Luca
Romanian-born, self-taught, and endlessly curious. I've spent the last 14 years building things on the web—and the last 8 doing it professionally for startups across Europe and the US.
The story
I started coding when I was a teenager, teaching myself web development because I couldn't afford courses. What began as tinkering with HTML and Python eventually led to building open-source frameworks, developer tools, and educational resources.
Since 2017, I've worked as a freelancer and contractor, primarily with e-commerce startups. In 2023, I started traveling nomadically through the Benelux region while working remotely. That experience taught me that the best work happens when you're curious, uncomfortable, and constantly learning.
Recently, I served as a Senior AI Engineer at a US healthcare startup and as a Founding Engineer at a VC-backed travel startup. Along the way, I've developed a growing interest in psychology and philosophy—both of which inform how I think about code, teams, and problem-solving.
What I believe
Simplicity over cleverness
The best code is the code you don't have to explain. I prefer straightforward solutions that future developers (or future me) can understand at a glance.
Learn by doing
I didn't learn from courses—I learned by breaking things and figuring out how to fix them. That's still how I approach new technologies today.
Access shouldn't depend on budget
I've been the engineer who couldn't afford conference tickets or mentorship. That's why I run a #PayWhatYouWant program—because everyone deserves access to guidance when they need it.
Discomfort drives growth
The best learning happens when you're slightly uncomfortable. Whether it's a new language, a new country, or a new problem—that's where the growth is.
Beyond the code
Traveling
Traveling has been one of my greatest teachers. Each journey shapes my worldview and brings unexpected insights into my work. There's something about being in unfamiliar places that makes you think differently about problems.
From Italy to Norway, the Benelux to the Balkans—each destination has taught me something about patience, adaptability, and finding creative solutions under constraints.
Cooking
Cooking is my creative outlet and a way to connect with different cultures. I love experimenting with recipes, techniques, and flavors inspired by my travels—Italian cuisine, French techniques, farm-to-table philosophy.
Cooking taught me that the best dishes come from patience, not shortcuts. The same is true for refactoring—you can't rush a simmer, and you can't rush untangling a monolith.
Want to work together?
Whether you need consulting help or just want to chat about code, career, or anything else—I'm always happy to connect.