Mike Carter

An experienced full-stack developer and technical leader.

Mike Carter

About me

I’m a full-stack developer and technical leader with experience building web and mobile platforms since 2006. I’ve worked with teams of all sizes and led digital transformations through the companies I’ve founded.

I enjoy designing and delivering high-performance systems, collaborating with teams, and solving complex problems. My expertise spans:

  • Backend: Node.js/TypeScript, Ruby, MySQL/PostgreSQL, Redis, API design.
  • Frontend: React/TypeScript, SPA architecture, state management, high-volume user flows..
  • Mobile: React Native & Hotwire Native, push notifications, authentication, real-time messaging.
  • Cloud & DevOps: CI/CD, automated testing, monitoring, scalable distributed systems.
  • Systems Integration: Third-party APIs for payments, authentication, booking, and more.

If you’d like to work together, Email Me

Work history

Bitbrawn logo

BitBrawn 2021 - Present

I founded BitBrawn to help scaling SMEs move beyond spreadsheets and off-the-shelf tools. We design, build, and support custom web apps that remove friction, simplify workflows, and give teams clarity to grow confidently. Projects are delivered by senior specialists and structured around fixed-price milestones for predictable outcomes. Visit BitBrawn.

Recent work includes:

  • Laced: Consulting and development support on a major European expansion.
  • RIFT: Partnering to digitise and streamline their Tax Refund claims process.
  • Purplebricks: Reducing overheads with a self-service property information collection flow.
  • DC Thomson: Rebuilding their subscription purchase platform for better customer experience.
  • Allocate: Leading modernisation and ongoing development improving their core web application and API.
Leaf logo

Leaf 2016 - 2021

I co-founded Leaf with a designer partner, growing the team to seven and delivering high-impact digital products for UK and US clients. Leaf closed in 2021 to pursue new projects. Visit Leaf.

Major projects include:

  • Holiday Extras: Played a major role in the development of their HEHA trip planning app.
  • RIFT: Led their digital transformation, enabling hundreds of thousands of customers to self service their tax refund claims.
  • Laced: Built their digital platform from the ground up and helped them scale to handle hundreds of millions in transactions.
  • Allocate: Pulled out of a technical debt crisis and put a sustainable, modern foundation in place.
Holiday Extras logo

Holiday Extras 2013 - 2016

I joined Holiday Extras as a Web Developer in 2013, working primarily on their airport hotel and parking booking system.

During my employment I was promoted to Software Engineer, and then Software Architect, where I helped to technical decision making across the organisation. Visit Holiday Extras.

Products

IsThereSomebody logo

IsThereSomebody 2023 - Now

A private, anonymous app for people supporting someone through addiction. Features include one-to-one encrypted chat, small community spaces, and curated resources. Currently 500+ active users. Visit IsThereSomebody

Parable logo

Parable 2022 - 2023

An analytics platform for blog posts. Tracks actual readership and provides insights for writers. Built over a year, launched in 2022, shut down in 2023 due to lack of product-market fit.

Howdy logo

Howdy 2017 - 2022

A simple tool that brings web contact forms to life with validation and email delivery. Developed at Leaf for small businesses; organically grew to 100+ users before winding down.

Writing

I write about software and product engineering, with an occasional personal update.

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Articles

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Personal updates