Jayen Ashar

Sharetribe Expert · Marketplace Developer · Sydney

I help non-technical founders turn an idea into a live two-sided marketplace, and keep it running once it's there. 35+ Sharetribe marketplaces launched to date, across Australia, the US, Canada, NZ and Europe. Beyond that, I occasionally help founders prototype and validate new product ideas through custom web apps.

  • Expert-Vetted on Upwork (top 1%) · Top Rated Plus · 100% Job Success Score
  • Toptal screened, top 3% of freelance talent
  • Verified Sharetribe Expert · Sydney
  • 5.0 / 5.0 on Clutch (18 reviews via Scaleup Consulting)
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Jayen Ashar holding a NAO humanoid robot

About Me

Custom marketplace features that off-the-shelf templates can't handle.

I help founders build, ship and operate two-sided marketplaces — usually on Sharetribe, including the custom features standard templates can't handle.

I'm the Founder and Technical Director of Scaleup Consulting in Sydney. I stay hands-on with the work, and bring in Adam and Tim when a project needs additional support.

I've also built and operated marketplaces of my own, not just for clients. flatmate.com has been live since 1998; I joined as co-founder in 2017 and have operated it directly since 2022. It's a marketplace, though not a Sharetribe one. I built finderful.com in 2013 after struggling to compare Sydney suburbs in one place while looking for somewhere to live. It has been endorsed by the NSW Government. Both mean I've been on your side of this — building, operating and supporting marketplaces after launch.

By the Numbers

  • 27 years paid to build software, and building it since before 1989.
  • 35+ Sharetribe marketplaces launched, across Australia, the US, Canada, NZ and Europe.

Experience & Credentials

  • Reputation: I mentor on Codementor (5.0 rating), where a client called me “the GOAT of codementor” (Sean Modd) — a title I will absolutely keep quoting.

What I Do

  • Custom Sharetribe features Custom-coded features that do exactly what your marketplace needs.
  • Marketplace MVP development Non-technical founders go from concept to a live marketplace in one to twelve weeks.
  • Marketplace mobile apps Mobile apps built with Cordova, Ionic or Capacitor and kept in sync with your marketplace.
  • Payments & shipping integrations Stripe Connect, Sendle, Twilio and SendGrid integrated properly with your marketplace.
  • Marketplace compliance Identity verification and compliance work scoped early so regulatory review doesn't become a late-stage blocker.
  • Marketplace rescue projects Stalled or inherited builds taken through to launch.
  • Fractional technical leadership Fractional technical leadership for early-stage teams that need senior guidance without a full-time CTO.

Where to Go Next

Work & Reviews

Case studies, founder quotes and client reviews.

See the Work

Sharetribe Services

What I build on Sharetribe, what it runs on, and what the third-party costs actually are.

View Services

Sharemates

A no-code control panel that lets Sharetribe operators run their marketplace without dev time.

Explore Sharemates

What Clients Say

He has always been patient with us especially when we find it difficult to understand the technical side of things and will always take his time to explain everything without making it feel complicated.

BrookeSharetribe Experts · July 2026

As a non technical founder, it’s been incredibly helpful to have a team that not only understands the build, but also takes the time to explain the thinking behind key decisions.

Founders of SaferFaces.comSharetribe Experts · May 2026

Jayen processed my requirements and carefully outlined variables like complexity, cost, time, and need. He was a thought partner, not just a builder.

Solution PlaygroundSharetribe Experts · June 2026

Their attention to detail and knowledge of online marketplaces have put my mind at ease throughout the process.

Nicholas RobertsonFounder, SwapU · Clutch, April 2024

I consistently felt heard and received answers and explanations that were precisely on point. Your team’s communication skills are exceptional; they’re highly responsive and possess deep knowledge of the technologies used in our project.

Kyle HaileyFounder, Art Wave AI · San Francisco

More on the work page — 18 verified reviews on Clutch, 10 reviews / 26 sessions on Codementor, plus Expert-Vetted on Upwork (top 1%), Top Rated Plus and a 100% Job Success Score.

How This Works

  1. 01
    Pick a time below — free 15-min call

    No agenda required. Use the calendar at the bottom of this page.

  2. 02
    We talk through your idea

    Your stack, what you've tried, and what it would actually take to ship — honest scope and a clear next step.

Prefer to write first? Drop a quick message using the message form below.

Let's talk

Get in Touch

Drop me a line — or book a free 15-minute call.

jayen@jayenashar.org

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Free 15-Minute Call

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