Based in Austin, Texas.
I’m a creative technologist with almost a decade of experience designing products, leading R&D teams, and launching things from 0 to 1.
I previously led product at Checkr where we’re exploring tools for the future of work. My previous startup, Soko, where I led product as Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, was acquired by Checkr. I’ve also built things in AI, web3, and consumer social.
On the side, I'm running my own design practice Francois Labs, and few side projects like a culutral archive B3BOP®, a vintage watch inspired brand In Search of Time, and something I’m building in stealth (more coming soon).
My passion lies in exploration, and my strength is execution. I love designing, building, and branding both tech and non-tech products that inspire people to engage with the world differently. I aim to merge aesthetics, storytelling, and data to craft experiences that resonate with contemporary culture and push boundaries.
I did my undergrad in engineering at Texas A&M and got my MBA at Cornell, but the streets (and internet) taught me.
I've consulted for startups like SuperRare, Rollfi, Buildspace, and Yac, but also larger companies like Couchbase, NCR, SAP, Nokia, and Toyota, to name a few.
I also angel invest where I can in projects and founders I love like 1v1Me, Unit21, Replit, Gumroad, The Drivers Cooperative, and Umba.
I love collaborating directly with founders and investors, particularly on product design and strategy. Mentorship and paying it forward are important to me, so if you’re working on something or even just considering an idea, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to side projects and helping others with theirs. 😊
My current research interests include future of work, AI design tools, and topics like squad wealth, convivial tools, and decentralized cooperatives. If any of this applies to you, I’d love to chat more.
If you'd like to connect, you can find me on X @vufrancois or email me at vugfrancois@gmail.com.
I’m a creative technologist with almost a decade of experience designing products, leading R&D teams, and launching things from 0 to 1.
I previously led product at Checkr where we’re exploring tools for the future of work. My previous startup, Soko, where I led product as Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, was acquired by Checkr. I’ve also built things in AI, web3, and consumer social.
On the side, I'm running my own design practice Francois Labs, and few side projects like a culutral archive B3BOP®, a vintage watch inspired brand In Search of Time, and something I’m building in stealth (more coming soon).
My passion lies in exploration, and my strength is execution. I love designing, building, and branding both tech and non-tech products that inspire people to engage with the world differently. I aim to merge aesthetics, storytelling, and data to craft experiences that resonate with contemporary culture and push boundaries.
I did my undergrad in engineering at Texas A&M and got my MBA at Cornell, but the streets (and internet) taught me.
I've consulted for startups like SuperRare, Rollfi, Buildspace, and Yac, but also larger companies like Couchbase, NCR, SAP, Nokia, and Toyota, to name a few.
I also angel invest where I can in projects and founders I love like 1v1Me, Unit21, Replit, Gumroad, The Drivers Cooperative, and Umba.
I love collaborating directly with founders and investors, particularly on product design and strategy. Mentorship and paying it forward are important to me, so if you’re working on something or even just considering an idea, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to side projects and helping others with theirs. 😊
My current research interests include future of work, AI design tools, and topics like squad wealth, convivial tools, and decentralized cooperatives. If any of this applies to you, I’d love to chat more.
If you'd like to connect, you can find me on X @vufrancois or email me at vugfrancois@gmail.com.