Background

Developer Relations at Soapbox

Derek works in Developer Relations at Soapbox, where he evangelizes Shakespeare — an AI-powered app builder that lets anyone create web applications through natural conversation, deployed on decentralized infrastructure powered by the Nostr protocol. He also champions Soapbox's flagship Nostr social client Ditto and the human-rights activist platform Agora.

With 20+ years of experience in technology, Derek has excelled as a systems administrator, mobile tech journalist, and consultant. He speaks at international Bitcoin and nostr conferences including Nostrica, Nostriga, the Baltic Honeybadger, BTC Prague, and The Bitcoin Conference, covering topics like AI, vibe coding, decentralization, and censorship resistance.

He is also a founder of Nostr Plebs, a nostr services provider, and is actively involved in the development of Nostr Nests, a nostr powered audio space.

Speaking Events

International Conferences

Derek has spoken at numerous international Bitcoin and nostr conferences, sharing his expertise on topics like AI, vibe coding, decentralization, censorship resistance, and reclaiming our attention. He explores how nostr allows users to control their portable digital identities and leads workshops on building with Shakespeare and AI tools.

Derek connects with a wide range of audiences, from chamber of commerce members learning about AI to Bitcoin enthusiasts exploring the Lightning Network. He supports developers by advocating for creative freedom and empowers users by helping them take charge of their social graphs.