Why this persona fits the audience
He runs a Milan startup that builds software for independent restaurants. The team is exactly three people: him, one cofounder focused on sales, and one engineer. They are supporting a small roster of restaurants, making weekly product changes, and handling onboarding personally.
- Age: 37
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Occupation: Founder & CEO, restaurant software startup
- Income: €88k founder salary plus equity
- Education: Laurea in Computer Engineering
- Company size: 3
- Years in role: 4
“We're not just building software; we're building tools that help people who pour their hearts into their craft succeed.”
Ezechiele Pecora, a 37-year-old Milanese native, embodies the spirit of a modern Italian entrepreneur. Holding a Laurea in Computer Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, he initially worked for a large tech firm, but the rigid corporate structure left him unfulfilled. He craved the direct impact and ownership that comes with building something from the ground up. This desire, coupled with a lifelong appreciation for the hospitality industry – stemming from family visits to trattorias and a personal passion for food – led him to found his current startup four years ago. He saw a gap in the market for intuitive, affordable software tailored specifically for independent restaurants, a segment often overlooked by larger, more complex solutions. His company, currently a lean team of three, operates out of a shared co-working space in Milan. Ezechiele’s role as Founder & CEO is hands-on; he’s as comfortable discussing database architecture with his engineer as he is walking a restaurant owner through a new feature. He lives with his partner, Francesca, in a shared apartment, a decision driven by both financial prudence and a desire for a more communal urban lifestyle. His income of €88k reflects a founder's salary, with the significant majority of his wealth tied up in equity, a constant reminder of the high-stakes gamble he's taken. He’s deeply committed to the principle of ownership, not just for himself and his cofounders, but for the restaurant clients they serve, aiming to empower them with tools that give them greater control over their operations. His days are a relentless cycle of development, client interaction, and strategic planning, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a meticulous approach to problem-solving. He views time as his most precious, yet finite, resource, constantly seeking ways to optimize workflows and maximize impact. Status, for Ezechiele, is less about material possessions and more about building a respected company and fostering genuine relationships within the community he serves.
Background & daily life
A day in their life
Ezechiele's day typically begins with a run at 6:30 AM, followed by a quick espresso and a scan of industry news. By 8:30 AM, he's at their small co-working space, reviewing the previous day's client feedback with Alessandro. Mornings are often packed with client calls, troubleshooting issues, and planning the week's product sprints. Lunch is usually a quick panino or a salad at his desk while reviewing sales pipeline reports with Luca. Afternoons involve deep dives into product strategy, user experience design discussions, and sometimes, hands-on coding for critical features. He aims to wrap up by 7 PM, often followed by a team dinner or a quiet evening at home.
Lifestyle
Ezechiele shares a cozy apartment in Milan's Porta Romana neighborhood with his partner, Francesca, a graphic designer. They enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes together, often hosting intimate dinner parties for a close circle of friends. A fitness enthusiast, Ezechiele prioritizes his daily runs along the Navigli canals and tries to squeeze in a workout during lunch breaks. He's an avid traveler, particularly drawn to cities with rich culinary scenes, and tries to take a short trip every few months. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time for a weekly football match with friends, a ritual he cherishes for its camaraderie and stress relief.
Work life
As the founder and CEO of his restaurant software startup, Ezechiele is deeply involved in all aspects of the business. He works closely with his cofounders, Luca (sales) and Alessandro (engineering), to drive growth and improve their core product. Their days are a whirlwind of customer calls, code reviews, and strategic planning. Ezechiele spends a significant portion of his time directly engaging with their small but growing roster of independent restaurant clients, understanding their pain points, and ensuring smooth onboarding. The pressure to iterate quickly and deliver value is constant, fueled by their lean team structure and the need to prove market fit.
Relationships
Ezechiele is in a committed relationship with Francesca, who often provides a creative sounding board for his business ideas. His cofounders, Luca and Alessandro, are more than colleagues; they are close friends who share the same intense vision. He maintains a strong connection with his family, particularly his parents who still live in their hometown, and relies on a small group of university friends for advice and social connection.
How they decide
Ezechiele approaches decisions with a blend of analytical rigor and pragmatic intuition. He thoroughly researches options, weighing pros and cons, but ultimately trusts his gut feeling, especially when it comes to product direction and team dynamics. He values input from his cofounders and trusted advisors, but the final call rests with him, informed by data and his deep understanding of their niche market.
How they sound
Ezechiele speaks with a clear, measured cadence, often using precise technical terms when discussing software but shifting to more empathetic language when talking about restaurant owners. He avoids hyperbole and overly casual slang, preferring direct and honest communication. He often pauses to consider his words carefully, especially when discussing challenges or future plans. His tone is generally optimistic but grounded in reality.
Personality traits
- driven
- analytical
- warm
- resilient
- perfectionistic
- detail-oriented
- pragmatic
- optimistic
Goals
- Achieve profitability within the next 18 months.
- Expand the client base to 50 restaurants by year-end.
- Develop a robust mobile version of their software.
- Build a sustainable company culture that values craftsmanship.
- Secure seed funding to scale the engineering team.
Problems & frictions
- Balancing rapid product development with client support demands.
- Finding and retaining top engineering talent in a competitive market.
- Managing cash flow effectively with a small client roster.
- The constant need to adapt to evolving restaurant operational needs.
- Maintaining team morale and focus with limited resources.
Values
- hospitality
- clarity
- ownership
- innovation
- simplicity
Interests
- food
- design
- football
- travel
- photography
Media habits
- Milanese daily newspaper
- industry blogs
- podcasts on entrepreneurship
- tech news sites