Michail Koutrakis

Meet Michalis , our Backend Engineer.

You started out in Physics and later moved into software development. What sparked that change?
I really enjoyed physics, but over time I realised that who I am as a person matters just as much as what I’m good at. I’m very detail-oriented and a bit of a perfectionist. In experimental physics, that can actually be quite stressful - things are rarely perfect in a lab. At some point, I understood that those same traits would be a strength in software development. That was when I felt I’d found where I truly belong.

How does your physics background influence you in your day-to-day work?
Physics taught me to really understand systems, not just use them. I naturally think in algorithms and structures, and I like breaking complex problems down into something clear and logical. Whether I’m working on backend systems, data, or APIs, I enjoy going deep and making sure the solution actually holds together.

What kinds of challenges get you excited?
The tough ones. I genuinely enjoy hard problems, especially when they involve learning something new along the way. Not knowing everything from the start doesn’t bother me - I’ll figure it out. I like building things properly, end to end, and I tend to push myself to make the solution as solid as possible.

What makes a workplace feel like the right place for you?
A kind, curious, and supportive environment. I do my best work when there’s trust, space to focus, and a team that cares about quality without ego. When people are respectful, helpful, and genuinely want to build something good together, that’s where I thrive.