Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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.
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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.
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