Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Melissa Ablett-Jordaan
Melissa Ablett-Jordaan is a growth-focused executive driven by a passion for building communities that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. She brings energy and insight to stages around the world, driven by her belief in the power of connection and storytelling.
Talen:
Inzetbaarheid:
Dagvoorzitter,Interviewer,Keynote spreker
Inzetbaarheid:
Dagvoorzitter,Interviewer,Keynote spreker,
Over Melissa Ablett-Jordaan
Melissa Ablett-Jordaan is a growth-focused executive driven by a passion for building communities that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. With experience spanning the US, EU, and Asia, she has dedicated her career to supporting startups, investors, innovative corporates, and governments in developing thriving innovation ecosystems. Melissa is also a professional event host and moderator, bringing energy and insight to stages around the world, driven by her belief in the power of connection and storytelling.
Most recently, Melissa served as the Chief Operating Officer of CIC where she oversaw startup hubs across eight cities around the globe. Prior to CIC, Melissa worked in innovation policy in the US, and later scaled a digital media startup from a small team through to acquisition.
Melissa speaks regularly on building entrepreneurial communities and fostering economic development through innovation. She has hosted South Holland’s largest startup conference for four consecutive years and managed large-scale virtual events, including a 3,000-person town hall for Deloitte.
She has mentored startups through programs like TechStars Amsterdam and TU Delft’s Yes!Delft and served on boards of non-profits such as Venture Café Rotterdam, the American Chamber of Commerce in Rotterdam, and Restart Network.
Melissa graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and lives in Rotterdam with her husband, toddler daughter, baby son, and miniature dachshund.
Videos
Host Highlight Reel - Melissa Ablett
Peter van der Dungen
“Prima, open, neemt zaal mee”
Referenties
Melissa keeps audiences engaged, and elevates the overall energy of an event.
"Melissa has been a key moderator at multiple editions of Upstream Festival, both online and offline. She has an exceptional ability to draw out valuable insights from guests - whether they are successful entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, or key government officials. She keeps audiences engaged, and elevates the overall energy of an event.
Her versatility shines across formats, from dynamic talk shows to intimate fireside chats, bringing a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. We always ask her to keep her agenda free for our annual event - and hope to do so for years to come."
I highly recommend her for any event or interview series in need of a dynamic, professional host.
"Working with Melissa on our innovative video interview series, Behind the Science, was a true joy. She interviewed some of the brightest minds in life sciences across Europe, bringing thoughtfulness and poise to every conversation while making even the most camera-shy experts feel at ease. Despite the highly technical topics—from AI in breast cancer treatment to cutting-edge battery technology—Melissa struck the perfect balance, diving deep while keeping the discussions accessible to a wider audience.
Melissa’s contributions went beyond hosting; she was deeply involved in identifying interview subjects and shaping the series, acting as a true co-creator. I highly recommend her for any event or interview series in need of a dynamic, professional host."
Melissa was a highly professional, yet approachable host, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable.
"I had the pleasure of working with Melissa on large-scale virtual events for Deloitte. She was a highly professional, yet approachable host, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. Despite the intricate technical setup and complex event flow, Melissa handled everything flawlessly.
She represented our brand with confidence and authenticity, while maintaining her unique style and effortless rapport with guests—from company executives to high-profile external thought leaders. Her native English is also a plus, and pleasant to listen to! We’re looking forward to working with Melissa again in the future."