Karolina Pelc
The biggest names at Summit
MEET THE Investor, Founder "Her Play"
Karolina Pelc!
Karolina Pelc is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and international speaker whose career spans casino floors, cruise ships, boardrooms, and venture-backed startups. Originally from Poland and now based in London, she has spent more than two decades building businesses, products, and teams across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Karolina is the founder of , a technology company that raised over €7 million in venture funding before being acquired by in less than three years. Prior to founding BeyondPlay, she held senior leadership roles across the global gaming and technology sectors, including positions in product, innovation, strategy, and digital transformation
Throughout her career, Karolina has been a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent. She built one of the most gender-diverse leadership teams in her sector and has mentored founders, executives, and emerging leaders across multiple industries. Her work has earned recognition including being named a LinkedIn Top Startup Development Voice and one of the ELG 40 Under 40.
As an investor and advisor, Karolina supports high-growth startups with a particular focus on female founders, innovation, and emerging technologies. She is also the creator of the HerPlay framework, a practical approach to navigating risk, resilience, adaptability, and success in business and life.
In June 2026, Karolina published her debut book, Her Play: Make Your Own Luck, a memoir and leadership book that combines personal storytelling, psychology, neuroscience, and entrepreneurial lessons from an unconventional journey that took her from dealing cards in Warsaw casinos to building and selling a venture-backed technology company. Through her writing and speaking, she challenges conventional ideas about success, arguing that luck is not something we wait for—it is something we create through action, courage, and persistence.
Today, Karolina speaks internationally on entrepreneurship, leadership, reinvention, resilience, women in business, and the mindset required to thrive in times of uncertainty and change. Her work has been featured by leading business, technology, and mainstream media outlets, and she is widely recognised for her authentic perspective on navigating ambitious careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Venue Details
DATE
10th-11th-12th July 2026
LOCATION
Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands Hammersmith International Ctre,
London W6 8DR
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