Rafael Esteves

Founder @ Neopace

About

My entrepreneurial journey started at 15, using technology: 1. I built an automotive news website: ➡️ I used to visit local shops and garages to create content. 2. The owners liked the content: ➡️ I started selling ads on the site to these shops. 3. These shops saw value having a digital presence: ➡️ I started developing and selling websites to them. 4. The websites delivered RESULTS: ➡️ This led to what would become Latin America's LARGEST auto parts e-commerce, Connect Parts. I built their first website, back when the company was still Dakota Parts. 🛣️ With this foundation, I pursued a degree in Production Engineering (UFSC) and moved into the corporate world: 5. I worked in Technology Strategy at Grupo Boticário: ➡️ I learned to navigate large corporations and structure technology projects (M&A, ServiceNow). 6. I led global projects at the consulting firm EloGroup: ➡️ I delivered AI, Data Architecture, and Digital Transformation solutions for clients like Vale, Novo Nordisk, and Dasa. 🛣️ I decided it was time to get back to building and test my abilities as a founder: 7. I founded Neopace, a SaaS startup: ➡️ I developed the platform from scratch using a low-code stack (FlutterFlow, Firebase, Make). 8. I validated my ability to turn an idea into a product: ➡️ I learned about product-market fit, go-to-market, and the complete founder's journey. 🛣️ Now, the journey comes full circle, connecting all the dots: 9. I'm focused on my new venture: ➡️ An AI solution that revolutionizes WhatsApp sales for the auto parts industry. The mission is the same as when I was 15: using technology to solve real-world problems. Let's build! 🚀

Country

Brazil

City

São Paulo

Industry

Computer Software

Skill

Vendas, Autopeças, Mercado automotivo pós-venda, Gestão Lean, Engenharia de dados, Arquitetura de soluções, Desenvolvimento de produtos, Inteligência artificial, Desenvolvimento organizacional, Treinamento e desenvolvimento, Gestão de portfólio, Gestão de conflitos, Métricas de desempenho, Métricas de RH, Programas de bem-estar dos funcionários, Saúde mental, Gestão de mudanças, Engajamento dos funcionários, Consultoria de pequenas empresas, Engajamento de pessoas

Experience

Founder

Neopace

2024-3 - 2025-7 · 1 yr 5 mos

São Paulo

Neopace was a corporate wellbeing platform that utilized low-code technology and gamification to positively impact the physical and mental health of employees at major companies, including Grupo Boticário, Espaçolaser, and Atlas.

Consulting Manager

EloGroup

2020-1 - 2024-2 · 4 yrs 2 mos

São Paulo, Brazil

Led global Strategy and Digital Transformation projects, translating complex business challenges into high-impact technology and data solutions for market-leading companies such as Novo Nordisk, Dasa, Ecorodovias, and Vale. Key projects: • Data Strategy & Digital Transformation Roadmap: Developed strategic plans with opportunities in Infrastructure, Analytics, and Operating Model. • Data Architecture & Engineering: Delivered and automated performance indicators, improving performance and reducing data infrastructure costs, with estimated savings of BRL ~3.5MM/year. • Global Recruitment Operations Optimization: Implemented an Artificial Intelligence solution to restructure the operating model, impacting over 10,000 hires per year. EloGroup is a full-service business consultancy that integrates Technology, Analytics & Management.

Projects Portfolio Manager

Grupo Boticário

2018-12 - 2019-12 · 1 yr 1 mo

Curitiba, Brazil

• Led the creation of the Shared Service Center (CSC) PMO, implementing the ServiceNow platform to manage a portfolio of over 400 projects and a BRL 20 million budget. • Responsible for translating business needs into technical requirements and ensuring the solution's configuration and delivery.

Technology Strategy Senior Analyst

Grupo Boticário

2018-7 - 2018-12 · 6 mos

Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

• Analyzed technology vendors and developed the sourcing strategy for an M&A project.

Trainee | Technology

Grupo Boticário

2017-1 - 2018-6 · 1 yr 6 mos

Curitiba, Brazil

• Worked in Strategic Planning with the Technology Directorate's Transformation Office: • Developed business plans with financial-economic analysis and created reports on the Strategic Architecture for executive forums.

Projects Consultant

inTakt Lean Manufacturing

2016-1 - 2016-9 · 9 mos

Florianópolis, Brazil

JR Consultant and Researcher

GLean

2013-7 - 2015-7 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Florianopolis, Brazil

Acted as a consultant on practical optimization projects, developing and delivering over 30 hours of workshops and training sessions on Lean methodology.

Summer Internship

ZEN S.A.

2014-12 - 2015-2 · 3 mos

Brusque, Santa Catarina, Brasil

• First immersion in the auto parts industry, with a project focused on implementing a new assembly line for the Independent Aftermarket (IAM). • Applied continuous improvement methodologies (PDCA, A3, 5S) to optimize and increase efficiency in the assembly department.

Education

Harvard Business School Online

2017 - 2017

Harvard Business School program on business fundamentals. The HBX CORE (Credential of Readiness) consists of three pillars: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting.