Could you tell us about your journey into programming and how you chose this career path?
My journey into programming began during my final year of high school when I was considering two career options: structural engineering or programming. While structural engineering runs in my family – both my parents and my aunt and uncle are structural engineers – I chose programming because of the promising market conditions in Bulgaria and internationally. After graduating from Sofia University with a degree in software engineering, I started my career at a game development company before joining Tide.
We heard you’re quite passionate about basketball. Could you tell us more about that?
Basketball has been a significant part of my life. I played actively until the 8th grade, typically as a center in my hometown. At 6’4″, I would’ve been better suited as a point guard or shooting guard in professional settings. These days, I’m more of an avid spectator and particularly enjoy following the Euroleague, which I currently find more engaging than the NBA.
What do you like to do to keep growing professionally?
I believe in continuous learning, so I regularly read newsletters and stay up to date with industry developments. Rather than chasing technology trends, I focus on understanding and mastering the fundamentals that remain relevant over time. I also try to maintain a healthy balance – I keep myself informed about team initiatives and industry news without burning out.
What has been the most challenging and rewarding project you’ve worked on at Tide?
Without a doubt, the native authentication in the mobile app has been the most impressive and complex problem we’ve tackled. To put it in perspective, we transformed a login process that previously required 10 screens and took around 10 seconds into a streamlined experience with just two screens and an average login time of under five seconds. Considering we handle many hundreds of thousands of logins per day in the UK alone, the impact has been substantial. The project challenged us to strike the right balance between performance, security, and user experience – all crucial aspects in the fintech industry.
How was your transition into Tide as a junior engineer?
I was fortunate to start in a domain that allowed me to learn at a comfortable pace. The onboarding team provided a calm environment where I could gradually understand Tide’s processes without feeling rushed. When I later moved to the IAM team, the work became more challenging, but I’m lucky to have amazing colleagues who support my growth. Working alongside some of Tide’s best engineers has been an incredible learning opportunity.
Could you tell us about your progression within Tide?
Since joining in December 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to work across different teams and domains. I started in onboarding and, after about 10 months, moved to the IAM team. Within IAM, I’ve collaborated with various teams including Mika, Diamond, and most recently, Sigma, where I’ve spent the past six months helping develop the native login. This mobility has given me exposure to different aspects of our technology stack.
What stands out about Tide’s work culture?
What I appreciate most is Tide’s flexible work-from-home policy. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about trust and efficiency. We’re not required to come to the office; when we do go in, it’s by choice, usually to meet and collaborate with colleagues. This flexibility supports a healthier work-life balance and helps us use our time more productively.
Another strength of Tide’s is its open communication culture. You can speak freely with anyone in the organisation – whether it’s your immediate teammates, Technical Officers, or Vice Presidents. This accessibility creates an environment where ideas can flow easily and everyone’s input is valued.
What makes Tide unique as an employer in the fintech space?
Tide has found its niche in serving small and medium-sized businesses, which makes our work more meaningful. We’re not just building technology; we’re helping businesses grow. Our strong focus on security and reliability means we’re always learning and evolving. It’s an environment where you can make a significant impact and grow professionally.
