Inspiring Conversations with Tolga Onuk of Boltev

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tolga Onuk.

Hi Tolga, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey with a Commodore 64, where my fascination with digital technology began at just 8 or 9 years old. What started as experimenting with primitive game development eventually evolved into designing websites, online games, and software applications for global brands such as Spin Master, Electronic Arts, and HYFN.

After years of fast-paced agency and corporate experience, I began my entrepreneurial journey by co-founding, branding, and building Curbstand — one of the first SaaS platforms built specifically for parking and valet operators. That was followed by Grassp, a logistics and delivery platform connecting licensed cannabis dispensaries across California.

During this period, I founded my product development studio and holdings company, Thunderbolt, in the heart of Beverly Hills. I bootstrapped the company from the ground up, building an in-house team of more than 20 people while pioneering a cost-efficient hybrid engineering model that integrated overseas talent — an approach that was still uncommon in California at the time. Thunderbolt quickly became recognized as an industry-leading studio, building dozens of startup platforms and earning recognition from Clutch as well as three “Best of Industry” awards from the IAC for successful campaigns with Fox Sports, including MLB, UFC, and NCAA projects.

We later developed an equity crowdfunding platform for early-stage startups, which was acquired in 2019 by New Wave Holdings. Following the acquisition of Thunderbolt CDG, I was appointed CEO of New Wave Holdings.

After leaving New Wave, I joined the leadership teams of emerging e-mobility startups including Loop and Envoy in Los Angeles. At Loop, I joined as the fifth team member and contributed to the company’s rapid growth during a period in which it raised $65M within approximately 18 months. Later, at Envoy, I led product development initiatives and helped support the company through its acquisition by Blink Charging in 2023 for $34M.

After nearly two decades in Los Angeles and years immersed in the startup world, I relocated to Crestline to focus on a new chapter: building my latest venture, Boltev, where I am combining my background in technology, mobility, infrastructure, and product innovation to help shape the future of EV charging and clean transportation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. Like any entrepreneurial journey, mine came with significant highs and lows, and what I’ve shared so far are only the highlights. Behind the scenes, there were failed projects, difficult lessons, wrong decisions, challenging partnerships, and moments of deep disappointment from people who took advantage of my optimistic and altruistic approach to startup culture.

I won’t get into every detail, but throughout my career I’ve had to navigate betrayal, fraud, and even discrimination at times. Those experiences were difficult, but they also strengthened my resilience, sharpened my judgment, and reinforced the importance of integrity. No matter how challenging things became, I always tried to remain professional, stay grounded, and continue moving forward without losing who I am.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boltev?
I am a technology entrepreneur who has specialized in SaaS startups for more than 15 years, advising and helping scale dozens of startups across California. My background spans product development, branding, software platforms, mobility, and venture growth, with a strong focus on building innovative technology businesses from the ground up.

Today, I am focused on building Boltev, an e-mobility company with a uniquely positioned business model aimed at reshaping EV charging infrastructure and accessibility. Over the years, I have become known for helping support and grow startup ecosystems throughout Southern California through both operational leadership and product innovation.

My co-founder, Olger Warnier, is widely recognized as an industry leader and one of the co-creators of the OCPI and OCPP standards that helped shape the global EV charging ecosystem. Together with an experienced and highly capable team, we are currently preparing to close our seed financing round by Q3 2026.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Other than my beautiful and loving partner, Finnish Model and Talent Manager, Paula Potry I am not giving credit to anyone else because nobody has unconditionally helped me the way she has done in the past 2,5 years.

Our wedding is coming up on June 26th!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TolgaOnuk.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tolgaonuk
• LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/tolgaonuk
• Other: https://Boltev.net

Image Credits
Tolga Onuk
Paula Potry
Olger Warnier & Tolga Onuk Boltev Cofounders