// The longer version
I'm Ivaylo — builder, automator, and storyteller. I go by I2KGhost online. Here's the full story.
// Who I am
I'm Ivaylo Kolev — a Bulgarian-born builder based in London. Online I go by I2KGhost. The name started as a shortened version of my own name, with Ghost added because I've always been drawn to shadows, hidden things, and anything slightly mysterious.
By day I work at Amazon. Outside of work I build tools, chase AI and security certifications, and develop a fantasy universe called Drekoria that's been living in my head since I was a teenager.
// How I got into tech
My first serious encounter with code was around 2007–2008 at a computer networks college. I had no idea what was happening. It wasn't until years later — when a private university in Bulgaria opened free programming courses — that I actually got hooked. Java first, then C, C++, C#, and eventually Python.
Python stuck. I can read, write, and debug my way through real problems. That's been enough to build things that actually work.
// What I'm building now
My main focus right now is Croft Guide — a free tool that helps small UK farmers understand which government grants and subsidies they qualify for. Built ahead of the SFI 2026 rollout, when 64% of small farmers say they're confused by the new schemes.
In parallel I'm working through the AWS AI & ML Scholars program — a free global program by AWS and Udacity — and the TryHackMe AI Security path, because building with AI and understanding how it can be exploited are increasingly the same skill set.
// The path behind me
First encounter with code
Computer networks college in Bulgaria. No idea what was happening, but something stuck.
Got hooked on programming
Free university courses — Java, C++, C#, Python. Python eventually became the one that stuck.
Drekoria begins
A fantasy novel idea. An empire named Drekoria. The book stalled — the world never stopped growing.
Moved to London
Started in hospitality — Grange Hotels, then Leonardo Hotels. Began taking automation and AI seriously.
Joined Amazon
Started at Amazon fulfillment. Became an Auditor within 3 months. AI and automation shifted from hobby to direction.
Building in public
Croft Guide, AWS Scholars, AI security — and finally a home for all of it at ivaylokolev.net.