Maya Kalcheva, CEO of Bulgaria’s Neterra Communications and one of Capacity’s 20 Women to Watch in 2024, has had a unique journey to the top.

With a background in law and a passion for technology, she spearheaded the creation of Neterra.TV, a platform for Bulgarians abroad, long before streaming services became mainstream. The company headed by Kalcheva is responsible for the Neterra.TV and Neterra.TV+ brands. She is also chief marketing officer for the wider Neterra Group.

In this interview, Kalcheva discusses her unconventional path to becoming CEO, her vision for the future of Neterra, and the importance of diversity in the tech industry.

Maya, your background is fascinating: you’re a legal professional who ended up leading a telecommunications company. Can you tell us about your journey?

It all started 18 years ago when I was visiting friends in the US. They were frustrated because they couldn’t watch a popular Bulgarian TV show while living abroad. As someone with a background in tech, I saw an opportunity. Back at Neterra, we set up an FTP link to share content. That initial idea blossomed into Neterra.TV, a platform specifically designed for the Bulgarian diaspora.

Read more at: https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/2d5gjmmssstvlb2cyxse8/sponsored-content/spearheading-change-a-female-leadership-odyssey