Salome Mikadze-Struk’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of perseverance in the face of extraordinary challenges. Profiled by IEEE Spectrum, the founder of software development company Movadex has navigated a series of disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, while building and expanding her business. Her experiences have made her a strong advocate for resilience as a critical skill for entrepreneurs and technology professionals.
Born to parents who had fled conflict in Georgia’s Abkhazia region, Mikadze-Struk grew up in Kyiv with a deep appreciation for education and achievement. Through the Ukraine Global Scholars program, she earned a scholarship to study in the United States and later attended Georgetown University. While studying business administration, she developed an interest in entrepreneurship after participating in startup competitions and exploring Ukraine’s growing technology sector.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Mikadze-Struk and cofounder Nor Newman launched Movadex, a company that connects startups with engineering talent while also supporting product development. The shift toward digital services during lockdowns accelerated demand for their offerings and fueled the company’s growth.
The outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 presented an even greater test. While completing her final year at Georgetown remotely, often from bomb shelters, Mikadze-Struk worked to keep the company operating, helped employees relocate to safer areas, and partnered with local organizations to support displaced people. Despite the turmoil, the business continued to function, and she completed her degree.
After earning an MBA from Stanford University, Mikadze-Struk expanded her role as a startup mentor and public speaker. She now encourages founders and engineers to embrace uncertainty, adapt to technological change, and view AI as a tool that enhances creativity and productivity. Her central message is that resilience, adaptability, and systems-level thinking will be increasingly important as the software industry continues to evolve.