Billa Coetsee - Resume
Professional Summary
Seasoned Systems Architect and Technology Executive with 20+ years of experience leading technical strategy and implementation across startups, SMBs, and enterprise organizations. Successfully launched two independent blockchain networks and led digital transformation initiatives resulting in significant operational improvements. Combines deep technical expertise with formal background in psychology to build high-performing teams and bridge communication between technical and business stakeholders. Skilled in identifying optimization opportunities and implementing scalable solutions in both open-source and commercial environments.
Core Competencies
Languages & Technologies
Programming
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Go
(Expert) -
Rust
(Advanced) -
C | C++
(Advanced) -
Java
(Advanced) -
Javascript
(Expert) -
Typescript
(Advanced) -
PHP
(Advanced) -
Lua
(Advanced)
Blockchain
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CosmosSDK
(Advanced) -
IBC
(Advanced) -
CosmWasm
(Intermediate) -
Solidity
(Intermediate)
Databases
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BadgerDB
(Expert) -
PostgreSQL
(Expert) -
MySQL
(Expert) -
Dgraph
(Advanced)
Web
-
HTML
(Advanced) -
CSS
(Advanced) -
Javascript
(Expert) -
JQuery
(Expert) -
Vue
(Advanced)
Infrastructure
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Linux
(Expert) -
Cloud Architecture
(Expert) -
StrongSWAN IPSEC VPN
(Advanced) -
OpenVPN
(Advanced)
Professional Experience
Noctranet (Pty) Ltd | Managing Director
January 2008 - Present
Provide technology management consulting services focusing on systems optimization, strategic technology implementation, and digital transformation.
- Designed and delivered custom infrastructure solutions for clients experiencing mission-critical downtime, reducing unscheduled outages by 99% within 60 days
- Implemented security solutions with customized VPN components that maintained 99% uptime over 5 years with zero security breaches
- Developed comprehensive backup and recovery solutions that minimized operational impact and supported forensic analysis capabilities
PHI LABS LTD | Protocol Engineering Manager, Archway Protocol
February 2023 - December 2024
Led the engineering team for Archway, an incentivized smart contract blockchain network in the Cosmos ecosystem.
- Successfully delivered multiple fully-audited network upgrades including feature additions and critical security patches
- Implemented efficient development workflows using Jira and Linear to manage complex distributed systems engineering
- Directed security audit processes and managed upstream dependency integration for a production blockchain network
- Managed a team of engineers across multiple time zones, ensuring consistent delivery and code quality
INGENUITY BUILD | Protocol Engineer, Quicksilver Protocol
March 2022 - January 2023
Contributed to the development and launch of Quicksilver, a liquid staking protocol in the Cosmos ecosystem.
- Implemented core protocol features using CosmosSDK and Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)
- Participated in security audit processes to ensure protocol integrity and financial safety
- Developed and maintained Go-based components of the blockchain infrastructure
CLAYMORE CAPITAL | Blockchain Strategy Lead & COO
October 2019 - June 2020
Guided blockchain strategy for LNDR (remittance platform) and served as COO for CreditStore within this fintech group.
- Designed compliant crypto exchange systems that met banking license requirements
- Developed fintech systems architecture integrating traditional finance with blockchain technology
- Oversaw operational strategy and implementation as COO for CreditStore division
MYBUCKS | Blockchain Strategy Consultant
January 2019 - June 2019
Provided strategic consulting for blockchain implementation at this Frankfurt Stock Exchange-listed company.
- Created roadmap for crypto exchange and remittance systems that aligned with international banking regulations
- Designed architectures for integrating blockchain technology with existing financial infrastructure
- Advised on compliance requirements for crypto operations across multiple jurisdictions
BSA | THE SOFTWARE ALLIANCE | Chairman - South Africa
November 2014 - January 2019
Led the South African committee of the global software industry advocacy organization.
- Reduced software piracy through effective enforcement and awareness initiatives
- Collaborated with government entities including the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
- Promoted compliance through Software Asset Management (SAM) education programs
- Represented software industry interests in policy discussions with government stakeholders
COREPOINT CONSULTING | Chief Technology Officer
June 2011 - May 2016
Directed technology strategy and implementation for this consulting firm.
- Designed and deployed the first successful cloud computing solution for a national education network in a severely constrained technological environment
- Developed a profitable SaaS business model that remained highly competitive in the market
- Implemented robust VPN-based security architecture integrating StrongSWAN IPSEC and OpenVPN
- Created VM deployment, monitoring, and backup systems for mission-critical applications
EARLIER CAREER
- Revelation Systems (DataCyte): System Developer (2007)
- PC Consultants: System Developer & Consultant (2004-2007)
- PC Consultants: Network and Hardware Technician (2001)