Helping startups grow. Building stronger innovation ecosystems.

I work with accelerators, investors and innovation organizations to turn startup potential into growth.

Work with me ↗ Book me as a speaker ↗

Startup mentor
Growth strategist
Ecosystem builder
Speaker & MC
Europe · Worldwide

50+Accelerator programs supported

250+Founders mentored 1:1

1,500+Startup applications evaluated

3,800+Workshop participants

Organizations I’ve worked with

Where I create impact

Accelerators & Innovation Ecosystems

Helping organizations identify, support and scale promising startups.

From startup selection and mentoring to growth programs and ecosystem partnerships, I bring practical expertise to organizations working with founders.

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Speaking & Hosting

Bringing startup and innovation conversations to life on global stages.

From MC-ing international tech conferences to moderating panels and facilitating corporate workshops, I combine industry knowledge with engaging storytelling.

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Strategic connections: linking startups, investors, corporates and ecosystem partners.A decade-deep global network

Experience in action

From startup potential
to real-world impact.

2080 Ventures · Entrepreneur in Residence

From the first cohort to 12+ programs: building and scaling a global accelerator from the ground up

Over the years, I’ve helped build and scale accelerator programs across MENA, the CIS and Asia, helping startups grow and become investment-ready. From identifying high-potential founders to tackling their toughest growth and go-to-market challenges, sharpening their pitches and preparing them for investors, I’ve supported startups at every stage of their accelerator journey.

Impact at a glance

12+Accelerator programs

150+Founders mentored 1:1

1,800+Workshop participants

1,000+Applications evaluated

Katya leading a workshop with founders at 2080 Ventures

Case study · LEAP 2026, Riyadh

From Rocket Fuel to LEAP’s main stage: hosting a $1M startup competition

Over four days, I MCed Rocket Fuel, LEAP’s international startup pitch competition, bringing founders from around the world to the stage. Beyond hosting, I connected with founders and delivered online workshops on growth, go-to-market and commercialization. The highlight was MCing the LEAP Main Stage Grand Finale, where finalists competed for $1 million in equity-free prizes.

Impact at a glance

100Startups on stage

28High-tier investors on the jury

200KAttendees

$1MEquity-free awards

“Katya was instrumental in shaping our accelerator program. Her contribution brought structure, clarity, and energy to our founders’ journey.”

Iuliia Chernenko
Program Lead, 2080 Ventures

On stage at

MWC
AI Summit
EU-Startups Summit
The LIVE
LEAP
South Summit
Impact Forum
TNW

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.

My journey began working in-house at GreenTech and SaaS startups, one of which went on to IPO and another was acquired by a market leader. I then moved into advising founders on growth, go-to-market strategy and traction, which led me to global accelerators including Google for Startups, Techstars, Seedstars and 2080 Ventures. Today, I collaborate with accelerators, VCs and innovation organizations, including the UN, IOC and EIT, helping select promising startups, design and deliver growth programs, prepare founders for investment and build strategic partnerships. I’ve published bestselling courses, taught at business schools in Europe and Asia, and delivered workshops for companies including Unilever, Beam Suntory and Forrester. I’m also passionate about storytelling and bringing people together, which has taken me to global tech stages including Mobile World Congress, LEAP, South Summit and AI Summit as a speaker, moderator and MC. Across everything I do, one thing connects the dots: helping startups grow and bringing the people, ideas and opportunities of the innovation ecosystem together.

Let’s build stronger innovation ecosystems.

Building an accelerator program, activating an innovation ecosystem or planning your next event? Let’s talk.

Get in touch → Book a discovery call ↗

Contact

Let’s talk.

Tell me what you’d like to work on together, or book a discovery call straight into my calendar.

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