Derek Banor
Software Engineer · Director · CTO
Professional Summary
Software Engineer, Director, and Startup Co-Founder with over three years of experience designing and delivering scalable web and mobile applications from concept to production. Experienced in leading product development, architecting backend systems, and building cloud-native solutions with a strong focus on accessibility, usability, and performance.
Currently serving as Director & Software Engineer at Banor Inc. and Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer of BlueTidy, where I lead product strategy, software architecture, and engineering. My experience spans full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, payment integrations, and accessible technology, with expertise in React Native, React, Vue, Node.js, Laravel, PostgreSQL, Stripe, Cloudflare, and AWS.
I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems through innovative digital products. My work includes accessible education platforms, assistive technology solutions for visually impaired users, digital marketplaces, AI-powered applications, and cloud-based systems that create meaningful social and economic impact.
Professional Experience
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
BlueTidy (Powered by Banor Inc.)
- Lead the technical vision, software architecture, and product development of BlueTidy, a marketplace connecting property hosts with verified cleaners
- Architect and develop the mobile application and backend infrastructure from concept to production
- Design secure authentication, payment processing, messaging, booking, scheduling, inventory management, and verification systems
- Integrate Stripe Connect, Stripe Identity, and third-party APIs to provide secure payment processing and identity verification
- Manage cloud infrastructure utilizing Cloudflare Images and Namecheap hosting, with planned migration to AWS
- Work closely with beta users to gather feedback, prioritize features, and continuously improve the platform
- Lead App Store releases, feature planning, technical decision-making, and long-term engineering strategy
Director & Software Engineer
Banor Inc.
- Lead the company's software engineering initiatives, overseeing design, development, deployment, and maintenance of web and mobile applications
- Define technical architecture, engineering standards, and product roadmaps to ensure scalable and maintainable software solutions
- Design and develop RESTful APIs, backend services, and database architectures using Node.js, Laravel, PHP, and PostgreSQL
- Build responsive, user-focused applications using React, React Native, Vue.js, and modern JavaScript frameworks
- Manage cloud infrastructure, deployment strategies, domain management, and application hosting across Cloudflare, Namecheap, and AWS
- Collaborate with stakeholders to transform business requirements into production-ready software solutions
- Mentor developers and promote best practices in software engineering, accessibility, and secure application development
Lead Product Developer
Accesstech Innovation and Research Center
- Initiated and led the development of Give Tech To The Blind, a crowdfunding platform connecting donors with registered visually impaired individuals
- Led the development of Accesstech Academy, an accessible e-learning platform designed to provide inclusive digital education
- Developed and maintained Accesstech Store, an accessible e-commerce platform serving persons with disabilities
- Designed accessibility-first user experiences following WCAG guidelines to improve usability for visually impaired users
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver accessible software solutions from concept through deployment
- Mentored trainees in Python, Microsoft Office applications, and software development
Projects
BlueTidy
Co-Founder & CTO
Two-sided mobile marketplace connecting verified property hosts with trusted cleaners. Features real-time booking, competitive bidding, Stripe Connect payments, and identity verification.
Key Venture
Developer
Accessible gamified typing tutor combining education and gameplay with voice-guided lessons, real-time feedback, and support for visually impaired users.
GiveTechToTheBlind
Lead Product Developer
Crowdfunding platform connecting donors with registered visually impaired individuals seeking assistive technologies with KYC verification and Paystack integration.
Yɛdidi
Developer
Food delivery marketplace connecting customers with restaurants through real-time ordering, restaurant management, and payment processing.
Accesstech Academy
Lead Product Developer
Accessibility-first e-learning platform designed to improve digital education for visually impaired learners with WCAG-compliant interface.
Accesstech Store
Developer
Accessible online marketplace for assistive products prioritizing usability, inclusive design, and secure authentication.
Banor Inc. Corporate Website
Developer
Corporate website for Banor Inc. showcasing supply chain and procurement services with interactive chatbot and responsive design.
Technical Skills
Programming Languages
Frontend Development
Backend Development
Databases
Cloud & Infrastructure
Payment & Integrations
Accessibility
Development Tools
Core Competencies
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Technology
Methodist University, Accra, Ghana
Leadership & Community Impact
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
BlueTidy (Powered by Banor Inc.)
- Lead the technical vision, product strategy, and software engineering of BlueTidy
- Drive the design and development of scalable, user-focused solutions that create economic opportunities through technology
Lead Product Developer
Accesstech Innovation and Research Center
- Initiated and led the development of Give Tech To The Blind, a crowdfunding platform connecting donors with registered visually impaired individuals
- Led the development of Accesstech Academy, an accessible e-learning platform designed to improve digital inclusion and technology education
Digital Skills Trainer (Volunteer)
Accesstech Innovation and Research Center
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for persons living with albinism
- Improved participants' digital literacy and workplace productivity skills through practical, interactive learning
- Contributed to digital inclusion by equipping underserved communities with essential technology skills
Certifications & Interests
Certifications
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (In Progress)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (Planned)