Three women entrepreneurs from Moldova recognized for innovative business ideas at Ellevator Female Founders Conference 2026

Three women entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova were recognized for their innovative business ideas during the third edition of the “Ellevator. Female Founders Conference”, which brought together more than 100 women entrepreneurs, business founders, startup creators, and women leaders from diverse fields. The event marked the conclusion of an intensive mentoring period, with 15 finalists presenting their businesses during a pitching competition in front of the jury and conference participants. Three winning businesses were awarded vouchers worth MDL 50,000 each, provided by UN Women Moldova with financial support from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF).

Through inspirational sessions, practical workshops, and interactive discussions, participants explored topics such as attracting investment, understanding the real criteria that matter to investors, building an investment-ready mindset, and promoting startups through social media platforms. The conference also offered participants an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen their professional networks.

The event opened with the final pitches of the accelerator participants, during which the founders presented their businesses to the jury, marking the end of six months of mentorship and hands-on work to develop their ventures. Following the jury’s deliberations, Elena David (Oli.Lioli), Olesea Plăcintă (Biolactis), and Veronica Negruță (Logopici Development Centre in Orhei) were named the winners of the pitching competition.

“Today, in the Republic of Moldova, there are more and more opportunities for women’s economic empowerment and for the growth of women’s entrepreneurship. And you are living proof of that. Through the businesses you have built, the innovative products you create, your constant efforts to grow your ventures, and your contribution to the well-being of your communities and the development of this country, you demonstrate every day the impact women entrepreneurs can have,” declared Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Country Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

“For Sweden, supporting the growing community of women entrepreneurs in Moldova has already become a tradition. We are convinced that spaces like this are needed. In the area of women in business, we rely greatly on our partnership with UN Women here in Moldova. Keeping this network active is essential, and thanks to strong local partners such as UN Women, many impactful initiatives have become possible,” said Petra Lärke, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova.

The “Ellevator. Female Founders Conference” was organized by Yep!Moldova, in partnership with UN Women Moldova, with financial support from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and Sweden.