Katya hosting the Rocket Fuel finale on the LEAP main stage

MC · Moderator · Speaker

Bringing innovation expertise and energy to the stage.

I host conversations that connect ideas, people and perspectives across the global technology and innovation ecosystem.

From international tech conferences and startup competitions to founder panels and keynotes, I bring curiosity, energy and a decade of industry experience to every stage.

More than a voice on stage.

25+Speaking engagements
100+Workshops facilitated
1,000+Entrepreneurs supported
30+Countries across my startup network

How we can work together

MC &
Hosting

More than keeping the show running. I bring energy, spontaneity and a genuine understanding of the tech ecosystem to the stage — connecting speakers, stories and audiences to create memorable event experiences.

Panel Moderation

Great conversations start with great questions. Drawing on a decade in the startup ecosystem, I bring out fresh perspectives from founders, investors and industry leaders, going beyond scripted questions to create conversations worth listening to.

Keynotes & Talks

Real insights from the front lines of innovation. From mentoring hundreds of founders to working with global accelerators, I share practical lessons on startup growth, emerging technologies and building stronger innovation ecosystems.

Corporate Workshops

Less theory. More experimentation. I bring startup thinking into corporate teams through hands-on workshops on go-to-market strategy, growth experimentation, AI-powered innovation and startup–corporate collaboration.

Book me for your next event →

Selected stages

Global tech stages.

Watch me speak on YouTube ↗
Katya de Fredericksz smiling outdoors

About Katya

A decade at the intersection of
startups, growth and innovation.

I’m Katya de Fredericksz, a startup growth strategist, ecosystem builder, speaker and MC.

Over the past decade, I’ve supported 250+ startups across 30+ countries, working with leading VCs, accelerators and innovation organizations, including Techstars, Google for Startups, Seedstars and Plug and Play. My experience spans startup growth, accelerator programs and corporate innovation, including projects with the United Nations, IOC and EIT. I’ve also published bestselling courses, taught at business schools in Europe and Asia, and delivered corporate workshops for F500 companies. Passionate about storytelling and connecting people, I also speak, moderate and MC at major tech events, including Mobile World Congress, LEAP, South Summit and AI Summit, bringing ideas, people and conversations to life.

On stage · South Summit Madrid

Where big ideas meet powerful conversations.

Katya moderating a panel at South Summit Madrid

Topics I explore

Conversations worth having.

  1. 01Building & Scaling Startups in the AI Era
  2. 02From Idea to Traction: Growth, GTM & Commercialization
  3. 03Fundraising, Investor Readiness & What Investors Look For
  4. 04Corporate Innovation & Startup Collaboration
  5. 05Building Stronger Innovation Ecosystems
  6. 06Emerging Technologies & the Future of Innovation

What organizers say

“What stood out to me about Katya was the effort she put into understanding not only the program itself, but the founders behind it. She took the time to connect with their journeys and understand the stories she was helping bring to the stage, which brought a genuine warmth and authenticity to her hosting.

Katya continually went above and beyond, remaining receptive, adaptable and professional throughout a demanding live event environment. Watching her take that experience onto the LEAP Main Stage for the closing finale was particularly special.”

Sophie Whitehead
Startup Competitions & Founder Programs, Tahaluf · LEAP 2026

“It was so great to have Katya join us this year! I continue to receive positive feedback from your session at South Summit. Thank you and I hope to have you join us again in the next one!”

Christopher Locke
Global Head of Program, South Summit

Let’s make your next event memorable.

Looking for a moderator, MC or speaker who understands the startup and innovation world?

Contact

Let’s talk.

Tell me about your event, the format and the dates, or book a call straight into my calendar.