My name is Paulo Cabral. I'm 24 and I've been coding for about 6 to 7 years.
My journey started in 2019 when I began a Systems Analysis and Development degree at Unigranrio, in Duque de Caxias (RJ, Brazil).
During the pandemic I started looking for internships. I got a few 'no's — and looking back, they were essential to my growth.
After those closed doors, I made a decision: focus completely on programming. I studied every day, self-taught, following free initiatives like Rocketseat's Next Level Week and Semana Omnistack. That's when I started finding my place — and, more than that, having fun building.
My mother's lesson
Around the same time, my mother lost her job. Even with all the difficulties, she insisted on giving me a small monthly allowance.
More than help, it was a lesson. It was how she found to teach me responsibility with money and day-to-day autonomy.
I used that money for simple things: a haircut, food when I went to college, going out with friends — always knowing I had to manage it well, because when it ran out there was no asking for more.
During the pandemic I noticed that many people needed it much more than I did. Knowing it would be my last money of the month, I made a different choice.
I went to the supermarket with my mother and we put together two food baskets. I asked my dad if he knew anyone in need — he pointed me to a pastor who ran an NGO with kids.
And right there I understood I could do more than just think about myself.
The email that changed everything
A week later, during an online class, I got an email that would change my life. I'd been selected for an internship at Impacta Lawtech — a program in partnership with Santander.
And the most unexpected part: the opportunity came through a referral from my older brother, Fábio Cabral, with whom I had almost no contact at the time.
On July 20, 2020, I started my professional journey, earning R$400 from Santander and R$400 from the company. I brought lunch from home. And by a small 'Jesus-incidence', a few days earlier I had sold my bike for R$500 — money that paid for all my transportation in the first month.
What really moved me
What really moved me wasn't the money. It was my story.
My father had suffered a stroke in 2017 and was bedridden. My mother worked every other day. And I helped take care of him every single day. I bathed him, helped with feeding, changed diapers, encouraged small movements to try to improve his condition.
I turned all of that into fuel. Crying many times. But always steady. Always believing.
My brother saw my potential and suggested they hire me full-time. A new phase started right there. I grew quickly inside the company, actively participating in projects and decisions that directly impacted clients. Over time the company evolved into iPrazos, and I kept growing with it.
You never lose by listening more, observing more, and being humble.
That's what accelerated my growth — much more than any technology. My choices were always clear: honor my parents, learn from those who know more, and give my all. Even when that meant giving up weekends and small pleasures.
PUC, MVP and the turning point
I finished my degree and, a year later, started Software Engineering at PUC. Intense experience, where I gave my full self — and I had the honor of being recognized as one of the course MVPs.
But something inside me wanted more. I started looking at the market not just as a developer, but as a problem solver. I identified real pains — especially in ticket organization and internal company processes.
I'd have lunch earlier just to study. Used my vacation to develop ideas. Turned free time into building.
On a family trip I presented all of this to my brothers, Fábio Cabral and Felipe Cabral. They believed. And together we understood it wasn't just about a product — it was about creating real solutions for different markets.
That's how 3code was born. Today I'm CTO, leading the development of solutions that already impact relevant companies, including major names in the legal and corporate sectors.
March 20
But my story isn't only about professional growth. In 2026 I lived the hardest moment of my life.
On March 11 my father had another stroke. On the 13th he was hospitalized. And on March 20… I lost my best friend, my greatest counselor and my biggest supporter. My father.
He left me a legacy no university teaches: humility, faith, and the commitment to help other people.
And from that, something even bigger was born. Tucano.
It's not just a product. It's a purpose. The idea is to build open-source solutions and, at the same time, create an ecosystem where donations are turned into food baskets for families in need — with full transparency, showing every impact generated.
Inside this project, Tucano Proxy was born — an open-source alternative to tools like Fiddler and Proxyman.
Today I keep building. As a developer. As an entrepreneur. As a son. And mostly as someone who believes technology can change lives — starting with our own.
If this story moved you in any way, keep going. Because no matter where you are today… this might be just the beginning. 🚀
