Introduction

Hey there! I’m Piyush Kaila, an Engineering Manager with over 10 years of experience in software development and leadership. I’ve had the privilege of working on everything from scalable backends to AI-powered apps, and I’ve led teams in environments ranging from pizza-sized startups to multinational corporations. My journey has taken me from writing code to managing teams, and I’m passionate about solving complex problems and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

 Professional Journey

I kicked off my career as a software engineer, diving deep into Java, Python, and cloud technologies. Over the years, I’ve worked in all sorts of settings—from startups like Hike to massive organizations like Walmart Labs—and even founded my own ventures, Twiza and Grinions. I’ve experienced the chaos of a tiny team huddled over laptops, the buzz of a unicorn startup, and the structure of an MNC, not to mention the shift from office life to fully remote work. Each stop along the way has shaped how I approach tech and leadership.

Key Milestones

Transition to Engineering Management

I’ve evolved from hands-on coding to leading teams through big technological shifts. Think mentoring engineers on AI tools or delivering high-impact projects—like rewriting a critical ad script that slashed file size by 80% and boosted load times by 30%.

Startup Experiences

I’ve been through the full startup rollercoaster—ideation, market research, pitching investors, you name it. Founding Twiza and Grinions taught me resilience, the value of user-centric design, and how to turn ideas into reality.

Full-Stack Expertise

I’m a tech enthusiast at heart. I’ve built scalable backends, crafted frontends, developed mobile apps, built chatbots with AI/ML, and even tinkered with Raspberry Pi projects. I’ve deployed solutions across AWS, GCP, and Azure, and I’m always exploring new tools.

Achievements

• At Monetizemore, I led a team to rewrite a critical ad script, reducing file size by 80% and improving load times by 30%, which significantly boosted revenue.
• At Walmart Labs, I spearheaded the migration of applications from a private cloud to Azure, ensuring seamless transitions.
• At Hike, I developed a new TCP/IP protocol from scratch.
• Successfully managed distributed teams across time zones, fostering collaboration in fully remote setups.
• Founded Twiza and Grinions, navigating the challenges of building products from scratch and pitching to investors.

Hobby Projects

When I’m not working, I love diving into side projects and exploring new technologies. I’ve built a home automation setup using a Raspberry Pi., ran a web crawler on the same device to crawl financial news websites. I’ve also created tools like an investment tracker, a trade analyzer, and have been experimenting with fine-tuning models for financial analysis. I enjoy self-hosting services too—like using Immich as a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Photos—and maintaining a home server to bring everything together. These projects aren’t just pastimes—they’re a genuine passion and a fun way for me to keep learning and building.

Beyond Work

My startup journey has taught me the value of resilience, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure. I genuinely enjoy sharing those lessons with others—whether it’s through writing, mentoring, or just casual conversations. It’s my way of giving back and staying connected with the community.

Want to chat tech or leadership? Connect with me on LinkedIn or check out my projects!