Brainflight
Software development services from the world of tomorrow
Brainflight is a one-man software development consultancy specializing in cloud and data
About me
Crafting technology for a better tomorrow
Elias Vakkuri
Software consultant, owner
I design and build solutions in the intersection of cloud and data. I've been working with digital strategy and solutions since 2014 and implementing data platforms in multiple industries and various public clouds since 2017.
With roots in both strategy consulting and tech, my biggest strength is versatility - I'm comfortable both designing new initiatives with business representatives and implementing them with developers.
I'm most interested in projects with systemic impact, e.g. in education, energy, and healthcare.
Services
Wherever you are in your journey, I can help you
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Strategy
Not sure where to start with your data initiatives? I can help you identify good areas for using your data and form a roadmap to take things forward.
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Architecture
I have built data platforms in Azure and AWS, both from ground up and improving existing architecture, in multiple industries with different demands.
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Development
Experience from 7+ years of successful deliveries in data engineering, machine learning engineering, and full stack web development.
Testimonials
What clients and colleagues say
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"I collaborated with Elias through AI Roots between 2021 and 2026, and he was one of our most trusted consultants throughout that time. Elias possesses a truly unique combination of strategic thinking, architectural strength, and hands-on development skills with a high level of professionalism and adaptability. He has consistently delivered significant value across a wide range of client cases and industries. I can recommend him warmly to any case and assignment were exceptional talent is required."
Ari Rantanen ↗Data-Driven Leadership & AI Implementation | 20+ Years in Data & AI | Entrepreneurial Spirit | Result-Oriented Leader
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"I had the pleasure of working closely with Elias for over a year, building an ML product from the ground up in a challenging environment. What sets Elias apart is a rare combination of deep MLOps expertise and exceptional people skills. On the technical side, he was the driving force behind getting us to production smoothly. On the team side, he brings infectious energy, keeps everyone accountable, and has a talent for making even high-pressure work genuinely fun. Elias is the kind of colleague who raises the bar for everyone around him — not by pushing, but by inspiring. Some of my best teamwork moments have been during our collaboration, and I'd jump at the chance to work with him again."
Markus Ojala ↗PhD, Principal Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer - Supercell | ML & AI
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"Working with Elias has been a pleasure. He played a key role in building and scaling our ML solutions while strengthening our MLOps practices, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. He brings strong machine learning expertise and a deep understanding of the field, combined with great energy and a team-first attitude. He's an exceptional collaborator and someone you can always count on."
Machine Learning Team Lead
Finnish mobile gaming company
Projects
Successful deliveries across technologies and industries
Industries
- Energy
- Gaming
- IT Services
- Retail
- Startup
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
Roles and responsibilities
- Architecture
- Full Stack Development
- Machine Learning Engineering
- Data Engineering
- DevOps
- Cloud Engineering
- CTO
- Cybersecurity
- Strategy
- Cost Optimization
Key technologies
- Azure
- TypeScript
- Python
- Databricks
- Next.js
- AWS
- Express
- Azure SQL
- GenAI
- Terraform
- Kubernetes
- GCP
- Anyscale
- Kafka
- Azure Machine Learning
- Java
- Snowflake
- Lambda
- Agile Data Engine
- React
- Typescript
- SQL
- Power BI
- Docker
Latest assignments
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Startup
Co-Founder & CTO
3/2026 - Present
Chief Technology Officer for a scrappy startup in AI-powered enterprise risk management. Responsible for all things technical. Heavy focus on AI in both product and development.
CTO Architecture Full Stack Development GenAI React Typescript Kubernetes SQL -
Gaming
Machine Learning Engineering
3/2025 - 3/2026
Implementing ML systems and improving MLOps practices across company portfolio. Strong focus on experimentation and provable results.
Machine Learning Engineering Architecture Python Databricks AWS GCP Anyscale GenAI
Previous Brainflight assignments
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Insurance
AI strategy definition
11/2024 - 1/2025
AI architect SME in defining strategy, focus areas and architecture roadmap. Designed roadmap in collaboration with client architects and presented to business unit leadership.
Strategy GenAI -
Energy
Internal system development
6/2024 - 2/2025
Developing internal systems for the client, used by operators in daily work.
Worked extensively with Kafka for real-time data processing and visualization.
Full Stack Development Kafka TypeScript Kubernetes Java -
IT Services
AI offering development
6/2024 - 6/2024
Participated as SME in developing AI service offering for the client.
My contribution included a high-level architecture, technology stack, and case examples.
Architecture Strategy Azure GenAI -
Manufacturing
AI strategy definition
2/2024 - 3/2024
Worked as part of consultant team to help client define AI strategy, focus areas and development operating model.
Participated as subject-matter expert in client interviews and workshops.
Strategy GenAI -
Energy
Web app lifecycle upgrade
1/2024 - 4/2024
Modernized a web application and migrated its runtime platform to Azure Kubernetes Service.
The new version has a streamlined codebase and architecture, enabling easier maintainability and new feature development.
Architecture Full Stack Development Azure Kubernetes TypeScript Next.js Kafka -
Healthcare
Power BI Embedded autoscaling
1/2024 - 2/2024
I implemented a solution that automatically scales PBIE capacities based on compute load.
As a result the client was able to cut PBIE costs by 30% during the first month even with very conservative guardrails, with no observed impact to user experience.
Cost Optimization DevOps Azure Power BI Terraform Python -
Healthcare
Azure data platform setup
5/2023 - 9/2023
PoC for setting up an Azure & Snowflake cloud data platform.
We evaluated if a cloud data platform would be a good alternative to client's existing on-premise solution from security, performance, cost, and developer experience perspectives.
Architecture Cybersecurity Cloud Engineering DevOps Azure Snowflake Terraform -
Energy
Open Data Portal
10/2022 - 6/2024
Developed new version of client's Open Data portal from designs to production.
The new version has improved user experience and a more maintanable application architecture as part of client's technology landscape.
Architecture Full Stack Development Azure TypeScript Next.js Express Azure SQL -
IT Services
Improving efficiency of machine learning solution
4/2022 - 4/2022
Worked with client to improve the runtime efficiency of their machine learning solution.
Within a short timeframe we were able to locate and fix a severe bottleneck in the solution, improving response time considerably.
Machine Learning Engineering GCP Python Docker -
Retail
AWS data platform setup
9/2021 - 5/2023
Our small team modernized the client's data and reporting platform by migrating existing solution to AWS, Snowflake and Power BI.
Project highlights were close collaboration with client stakeholders and successful delivery of value in small packages. We received special thanks for the maintainability of our solution and high quality of documentation, making handover very efficient.
Cloud Engineering Data Engineering AWS Lambda Python Terraform Snowflake Agile Data Engine -
IT Services
Banking service development
9/2021 - 10/2022
Worked as part of client's team developing new ML-based banking services.
My main responsibility was to bring data scientist's models to production by improving code quality, testing and performance.
I also worked on the architecture and development of the backend and data processing, and participated in setting product strategy.
Machine Learning Engineering Architecture DevOps Data Engineering Azure Azure Machine Learning Databricks Python Terraform