Debi Kleiman

About

With a multitude of experiences spanning decades at the intersection of innovation and technology, I have thrived in both corporate giants and fast-moving startups, as an innovator and creative problem solver. My professional journey is defined by a passion for exploring "what's next", coupled with excitement and knowledge about transforming visionary ideas into tangible realities. In my work with startups, I focus on the interplay between people and innovation. My multifaceted contributions have ranged from applying my marketing and brand-building expertise to assuming pivotal roles as an early-stage operations and business development strategist, product development and fundraising advisor, and trusted mentor and angel investor. There's nothing like being a part of a team bringing something new to life. Before working in and with startups, I led marketing and innovation teams for some of the best brands in the world, such as Coca-Cola and P&G. My tenure with these organizations instilled in me the acumen and foresight that have been pivotal to my entrepreneurial successes. Following my big brand experiences, I joined founding teams for early.com and "Web 2.0" companies (exit). As the head of Babson's Blank Center for Entrepreneurship for many years, a leading college for entrepreneurship education, and a mentor in nationally-known accelerators, I nurtured and mentored hundreds of founders and created indelible startup programs and new venture competitions. From these experiences, I wrote my book, "First Pitch," which became an Amazon bestseller in Startups and Venture Capital. It has empowered countless early-stage and aspiring startup founders and corporate innovators to master effective communication and relationship building. I am known in professional circles as a connector and a coach. An advocate for action, I am not merely a proponent of ideas but a tireless executor. I enjoy bringing exceptional individuals together because magic happens when the right people get talking to each other. My journey centers on the art of building meaningful connections. Armed with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape, I continue to help shape the future, one innovative idea at a time.

Experience

Education