Kelly Kehn
Co-Founder, Defy the Odds
Kelly Kehn is a founder, board member, startup advisor, and one of the gaming industry’s leading advocates for more inclusive and accessible entrepreneurship. As Co-Founder of Defy the Odds, she is building a launchpad and community that connects startups with investors, operators, and strategic partners, with a particular focus on supporting female and minority founders. Previously, Kelly co-founded the All-In Diversity Project, helping move conversations around diversity and inclusion beyond compliance and towards meaningful culture change across the global gaming sector. Her career also includes investment and ecosystem roles at happyhour.io, commercial leadership at SBC, and experience across loyalty, CRM, partnerships, product marketing, and business development. She currently advises early-stage companies and serves in governance roles, including as a Director and Board Member at FUNNZ. Her contribution to the industry has been recognized through awards, including Leader of the Year at the Women in Gaming Awards, Outstanding Contributor at the iGaming Idol Awards, and Empowering Women in Gaming at the SBC Awards. Across her work, she remains focused on building stronger communities, widening access to opportunity, and helping the next generation of gaming founders grow.
Company: Defy the Odds is a gaming startup launchpad and community connecting founders, investors, operators, and industry partners. It provides access to networks, mentorship, fundraising opportunities, and strategic support, with a strong focus on helping female and minority-led businesses launch, scale, and succeed.
