Step aside, boys — there’s a new wave of builders in town, and they come armed with vision, resilience, and a whole lot of sparkle. On this episode of Baltic Boss Babes, we welcomed the one and only Elvija Vanaga, COO of Brontor — a dynamic startup shaping the future of mobility and construction. From innovation academy classrooms to standing tall among world leaders in smart city innovation, Elvija’s journey is pure Baltic brilliance.
Get cozy, grab your coffee (or your matcha, no judgment here), and let’s dive into the powerhouse path of one woman who dared to trade a stable career for a dream with impact.
🚀 From Thesis to Trailblazer: The Spark That Ignited Brontor
Let’s rewind the tape a few years. Picture this: Elvija, a fresh-faced Master’s student with a fire in her belly, was deep into research on innovation and entrepreneurship. That research didn’t just collect dust on a shelf — it lit a spark. “I knew I could do more,” she recalls. “But I was scared.”
Cue the plot twist: She applied to the Innovation Academy, joined a pre-acceleration program during the late COVID era, and boom — met her future co-founder, Raimonds. Together, they birthed Brontor, a startup revolutionizing mobility infrastructure. Fast-forward to now? They’re three years in and flying higher than ever.
🏆 Moments That Mattered: Awards, Accolades, and All the Feels
Startups are wild roller coasters, and Elvija has had her share of loops. But she’s also had those sparkly “Is this real life?” moments that make the journey worth every sleepless night.
One such moment? Winning the EIT Jumpstarter in the mobility category. “That was the turning point,” she says. “It went from an idea to something real.” Another was joining the Top 50 Women in Leadership Program in 2023. “I looked around and thought, how did I end up here?” she laughs. But being surrounded by powerhouse women gave her confidence a serious boost.
Oh, and let’s not forget this mic-drop moment: Brontor landed in the Top 3 globally at the World Smart City Awards in the mobility sector — chosen out of 600+ applications. Talk about boss moves.
👯♀️ Sisterhood, Support & Silent High Fives
If there’s one golden thread woven through Elvija’s journey, it’s this: You can’t do it alone. Whether it’s a supportive co-founder who lifts you on your low days (and vice versa) or women quietly cheering each other on across exhibition halls, the power of solidarity is real.
During an event in Amsterdam, a woman came up and said, “I want to give you a silent high five — it’s so rare to see women in mobility.” That moment? Pure gold.
Elvija also shouts out her quiet heroes — Petra, Ilze, and Eileen Michelson — women whose drive and warmth have inspired her without even knowing it (well, they do now!). And of course, our very own previous guest, Marina, who continues to mentor, inspire, and blaze trails in the startup world.
👷♀️ Ditching the 9–5 for Startup Struggles (and Success!)
One of the most badass boss moves? Elvija left a secure, well-paid corporate job to go all-in on her startup. Her team celebrated the moment she made the leap — they knew she was meant for more.
“Startup life is tough,” she says, “but it gives me purpose. You can’t do everything in one day — you have to choose what matters. And this? This matters.”
📉 Doubts, Drama & the Dance of Startup Life
Imposter syndrome? Been there. Sleepless nights? Done that. But the magic of team dynamics shines bright at Brontor. When Elvija’s down, Raimonds lifts her up — and vice versa. “We go shoulder to shoulder,” she says. “We’re not just co-founders; we’re business family.”
And when the valley of death (yes, the startup one) looms, she leans into her support system — and a bit of healthy reflection. “Sometimes you have to look back to see how far you’ve come,” she notes. “You’ll realize that today’s ‘biggest problem’ is just the next in line.”
✨ Hacks, Headspace & High-Functioning Habits
How does a Baltic Boss Babe keep her sparkle while juggling chaos? For Elvija, it’s all about SLEEP (eight hours, minimum!), noise-cancelling playlists, structure boards for clarity, and good ol’ walks by the sea. Add a sprinkle of yoga and the occasional chill TV show, and she’s ready to rule the next day.
Books also make the list — a mix of inspirational reads like Uldis Pīlēns’ Entrepreneur Code and lighthearted Latvian fiction by Māra Zālīte for those evenings when you just need to unwind without adding to your to-do list.
💥 Final Words: Dream Bold, Start Small, Move Smart
If there’s one message Elvija wants every woman to hear, it’s this:
“Just start doing it. Even if it’s scary. Even if you’re unsure. Try — and you’ll see if it’s truly meant for you.”
And for the younger Boss Babes? Get that education — not because it’s a backup plan, but because knowledge + passion = an unstoppable combo. Join a startup before you build your own. Observe, learn, lead — and most importantly, grow.
Because yes, the startup life is fast-paced, chaotic, and unpredictable. But when you do it with heart, it’s pure magic.
🎧 Want more inspo? Tune in to the full episode to hear more from Elvija’s incredible journey — from doubts to global stages, from quiet moments to major milestones.
Until next time, babes — keep shining ✨
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