The Baltic startup scene has its power players, and Sandra Goldbreich is one of them. From launching one of the first accelerators in the region to reshaping how women enter the world of angel investing, she’s been breaking barriers and rewriting the rules. Her story isn’t just about investing in startups—it’s about investing in people, in change, and in a future that welcomes more diverse leaders to the table. Let’s dive into Sandra’s journey, her bold moves, and the lessons we can all take from her experience.
🌟 The Accidental Move That Changed Everything
Sandra never planned on moving to Lithuania. She had her eyes set on Barcelona, but fate (and a particularly stunning Baltic autumn) had other plans. The move turned out to be a game-changer, placing her at the heart of a budding startup ecosystem where she could build something from scratch. “I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t speak the language, and I had no idea what I was going to do.” Sound familiar? Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that make no sense at first.
📈 From a Crazy Idea to a Venture Fund
In 2018, Sandra and her business partner launched an accelerator in just three weeks. “We just said, let’s do this, and within a month, we had our first batch of startups.” That program evolved into Baltic Sandbox Ventures, now a major player in early-stage deep tech and life sciences investment. The lesson? You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. You just need to start.
🤝 The Business Partner She Wanted to Throw Out a Window
Sandra’s long-time business partner, Andris, was someone she couldn’t stand when they first met. “We hated each other’s guts. I thought, never in my life would I work with this guy.” Fast forward to today, and they’ve built an investment powerhouse together. The takeaway? You don’t need to be best friends with your colleagues—shared values and a common mission will take you much further than just liking each other.
🔥 Smashing Bias in Venture Capital
Despite being a seasoned investor, Sandra still walks into meetings where people assume her male co-founder is the decision-maker. Her solution? Flip the script. “I walk in and say, ‘This is Andris. He’s beautiful. I’m smart.’” The shift in perception is immediate. Women in leadership constantly navigate these biases, but humour, confidence, and results will always speak louder than assumptions.
🚀 Building a Female Investor Community
Noticing a huge gap in female angel investors, Sandra launched Women Investing in Tech. The first program received over 100 applications in just a few weeks. Why? Because women were out there, ready to invest—they just weren’t stepping forward in male-dominated spaces. The takeaway? If you don’t see a seat for yourself at the table, build a new table.
🏔️ Hiking Through Burnout
After a gruelling work season, Sandra embarked on a 34-day Camino de Santiago trek. Walking through mountains with no distractions helped her process thoughts, reset her energy, and come back stronger. “It’s like meditation, but for people who can’t sit still.” Productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about knowing when to unplug so you can return sharper than before.
💡 Lessons Learned:
1️⃣ Big risks bring big rewards. Whether it’s moving countries, launching an accelerator in a month, or investing in an overlooked startup—bold moves shape the future.
2️⃣ The best partnerships aren’t about liking each other; they’re about a shared vision. Don’t dismiss people who challenge you.
3️⃣ Women belong in investing. If traditional spaces don’t feel welcoming, create your own.
4️⃣ You don’t need to feel 100% ready before you start. No one does. Start anyway.
5️⃣ Take breaks before you break down. Long walks, time offline, whatever it takes—your brain will thank you.
Ready to hear more about Sandra's incredible story? Tune into Season 2, Episode 7 of Baltic Boss Babes for a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
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