Ken Valledy

Ken Valledy is a seasoned entrepreneur and speaker and co- author of The Startup Lexicon, a must-read guide for navigating the language of startups.

After a successful career in senior marketing roles for some of the biggest brands, Ken founded his own business. His company specialised in forging meaningful, world-wide, partnerships between cutting edge start-ups and large corporations, including Mercedes, P&G, Kimberly-Clark and Haleon. That company was acquired by the Anthesis Group in October2023. Beyond his corporate-startup expertise, Ken is a dedicated mentor, providing guidance across multiple accelerator programs such as Techstars, BlockDojo, and EASI. A sought-after speaker and panellist, he frequently shares his insights at leading business and start-up conferences.

In 2022, his first book “The Startup Lexicon” became a bestseller. With contributions from academics, founders, investors and people from the tech ecosystem, this book deciphers the hidden language of the startup world. With simple definitions of the most frequently used words, alongside stories that give more context and colour, the Startup Lexicon is an incredible primer for anyone interested in one of the biggest and fastest growing sectors in the business world.

Ken bridges the worlds of corporates, startups, innovation and inspiration – having worked with some of the biggest brands in the world – including AB InBev, Barclays, Amazon, Google, O2, American Express, P&G, Mercedes, GSK and many others.

SPEAKING TOPICS

The Disruptors Edge – How to discover and harness startup innovation from thev ery first meeting, without a dedicated innovation team or a big budget

Many corporates want to tap into the energy & creativity of startups, but often don’t know where to start or what to expect from the partnership, making the process feel daunting. This uncertainty fuels the myth that meaningful collaboration or true innovation is only for Silicon Valley giants or companies with huge budgets.That’s why Ken brings you “The Disruptor’s Edge”.A value packed talk that will guide you in harnessing the disruptive advantage that startup partnerships deliver. With 10+ years facilitating collaborations with P&G, Haleon & Mercedes, Ken shows how to break corporate inertia using agile pilots & practical techniques,even without a dedicated innovation team or huge investment.With his trademark warmth, humour & no-nonsense approach, Ken inspires even the most complex corporations to unlock real results from startup partnerships, proving that innovation isn’t something you prepare for, it’s something you do, starting today.

The Great Escape- How to jump off the corporate train to start your own business, from tomorrow, without putting your financial future at risk, Even if you think your idea isn or ready.

Many people with ideas for a great business stay stuck in an unfulfilling corporate job, waiting for retirement to arrive.They’re trapped on a gilded treadmill of salary, status, and perks. They fear that stepping off will crash their lifestyle or their credibility and will be too much of a financial risk.”That’s why Ken has launched “The Great Escape”, a bold new initiative designed to help mid-career professionals take back control of their futures and start their own businesses, either as a side hustle or a full-time venture, without putting their financial future at risk’ With his infectious personality, quick wit, and real, pragmatic solutions, he makes the journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship both exciting and achievable

Ten words that will shape your future. 

In this thought-provoking talk, we will delve into the fundamental tech words that are pivotal in comprehending the intricate landscape of the future. As we hurtle towards a world driven by technological advancements, it becomes increasingly crucial to grasp the language that underpins these transformative innovations. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, quantum computing to virtual reality, the future is being shaped by an array of cutting-edge technologies that demand our attention. During this enlightening session, we will demystify these complex concepts, breaking them down into accessible language that empowers individuals to navigate the future with confidence. By understanding these tech words, we gain a valuable lens through which we can interpret the transformative changes unfolding around us, enabling us to make informed decisions, embrace new opportunities, and actively participate in shaping the world of tomorrow. Sessions can be tailored for specific industries or requirements – from finance to CPG and beyond.