Nika Siradze

The stories of our team members are often so diverse that finding a common thread can be a challenge. However, if you look closely at our Lineup, one trait stands out: an restless energy for creating something new. This is exactly where the story of Nika Siradze begins, a Growth Engineer who joined Upgaming while still in his teens.

— Nika, how did your story begin, and what was your path before Upgaming?

My journey started with my own startup and experiments I ran with friends. One of the most interesting early challenges was trying to build my own social network. I was still a teenager when I joined the team of Upgaming, and I’ve been here for four years now. The most important thing I’ve learned in that time is that writing code is just a process - the real value lies in building a product that actually makes people's lives easier. I think I found an environment where my enthusiasm wasn’t boxed in; it was amplified.

— How do you define your profession, and what is your main role in the team?

When people ask what I do, I explain it like this: I’m the one who builds the shortest technical bridge between an idea and the user. Essentially, I translate the "language of ideas" into the "language of user experience." I identify the points where a product can be improved and then build solutions that people actually use in practice.

Many people think Growth Engineering is just marketing, but for me, it sits right between product psychology and engineering. After all, marketing only starts once the product is already ready.

— What is your work environment and daily rhythm like at Upgaming?

My workday doesn’t fit into a rigid frame; it starts with setting priorities and making independent decisions. I value effective meetings, but for everything else, I prefer asynchronous communication.

By the way, I discovered a new hobby here. We have a Padel club at Upgaming, and twice a week after work, I play with my colleagues. I’m involved in other activities too, but this is definitely my favorite way to unwind and end the workday on a high note.

— What metaphor would you use to describe your work style?

I’d compare my work rhythm to Progressive Rock, specifically Pink Floyd’s "Time." That song reminds me that time slips away when we spend too much time overthinking instead of doing. As for the process itself, it’s like Minecraft: you start from zero, learn everything on the go, and strive for maximum automation.

— What is your main motivator on days when productivity feels low?

My motivation comes from the sense of daily progress. Even on days when I’m not feeling it, I try to do at least one new thing - something that brings me a few steps closer to my goals.

— Finish the sentence: "Life at Upgaming is like..."

Life at Upgaming is like living inside Figma. It’s a place where ideas go from a wireframe to reality in a single week, leaving you with that feeling of: "Holy shit, this is real."