ABOUT VOKAL

Vokal is a community-driven platform that helps neighborhoods shape what opens in their local retail spaces.

We let residents vote on and suggest the businesses they want to see — cafés, restaurants, shops, and wellness concepts — and turn that demand into actionable insights for landlords, brokers, and operators. We’re starting hyper-local with a live beta in Los Angeles and building toward nationwide coverage.

We’re early-stage, lean, and moving fast. This role is for someone who wants real ownership, not just tickets to close.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Founding Software Engineer to own the technical foundation of Vokal.

You’ll be responsible for building, scaling, and evolving the entire product — from the iOS app experience to backend architecture, analytics, and AI-driven features. You’ll work directly with the founder and be a true member of the founding team, helping shape not just the product, but the company itself.

This is a part-time role today, with the intention of becoming full-time. Compensation is equity-only at this stage.

What You’ll Own

• End-to-end development of the Vokal app
  • iOS / consumer-facing frontend
  • Backend systems and database architecture (currently Supabase)
• Designing scalable systems that can grow from a single-neighborhood beta to nationwide coverage
• Performance monitoring, analytics, and product instrumentation
• Technical decision-making and architecture ownership
• Implementing AI features as a core part of the product (not bolt-ons)
• Collaborating on product direction, feature prioritization, and long-term roadmap
• Acting as a true founding team member as the company grows

What We’re Looking For

• Experience building consumer-facing apps, ideally iOS
• Comfort owning both frontend and backend systems
• Experience designing or maintaining scalable architectures