Speaker

Maddie Raedts

Q: From farm girl to international exit

Female entrepreneurship and ambition From growing up on a farm to becoming an international entrepreneur. Maddie Raedts shares how she founded IMA at just 21, built it into a global business, and eventually sold it to S4 Capital. In this personal keynote, she openly discusses the successes, doubts, and setbacks that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. With humor, energy, and practical lessons, Maddie reveals what it takes to think big, seize opportunities, and persevere. An inspiring keynote on ambition, courage, and entrepreneurship that encourages audiences to take the next step in their own journey.

Q: The creator economy and social-first brand building

Influencer marketing, trends and online culture How can brands stay relevant in a world driven by TikTok, Instagram, and online creators? As a pioneer in influencer marketing, Maddie Raedts takes audiences through the evolution and future of the creator economy. Drawing on real-world examples from international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Google, and Unilever, she explores the trends that matter and how brands can collaborate effectively with creators. In this energetic and insightful keynote, she translates developments in social-first brand building, social commerce, and online communities into actionable insights and practical tips that marketers and brand professionals can apply immediately.

Q: Build, scale, sell

Entrepreneurship, scaling up and exit strategies How do you build a successful business, scale internationally, and prepare for an exit? Maddie Raedts shares her firsthand experience of founding, growing, and selling IMA to S4 Capital. From investments and international expansion to acquisitions and starting over with a new venture in Los Angeles. In this insightful keynote, Maddie speaks openly and candidly about the successes, challenges, and decisions that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Through real-world examples and honest lessons, she offers entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders valuable insights to refine their own growth strategies.

Speaker Maddie Raedts is a serial entrepreneur and pioneer in influencer marketing. She speaks on entrepreneurship, the creator economy, social-first brand building, and leadership. At 21, she founded IMA, which grew internationally before its acquisition by S4 Capital. She later launched BOND and is now CEO and co-owner of For You Agency. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe in 2017, Maddie shares her journey from farm girl to international entrepreneur, offering practical insights with energy and authenticity.

Rate indication: € 2,500 to € 3,499
Available for booking as: Speaker Presenter Panelist
Languages: Dutch English

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About Maddie Raedts

Maddie Raedts is a speaker, serial entrepreneur, and pioneer in influencer marketing. She speaks on entrepreneurship, the creator economy, social-first brand building, and leadership. As the founder of Influencer Marketing Agency (IMA) and CEO of For You Agency, she combines over fifteen years of entrepreneurial experience with practical insights and an energetic, engaging presentation style.

From farm girl to influencer marketing pioneer

Maddie grew up in a farming family and discovered the power of online creators during her studies. At just 21, she co-founded IMA with Emilie Tabor. The agency grew into an international business with offices in Amsterdam, New York, and Los Angeles, developing campaigns for global brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and L'Oréal.

In 2017, Maddie was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. Two years later, IMA was acquired by S4 Capital. Her journey took her through every stage of entrepreneurship, from launching a startup to international expansion and a successful exit.

Entrepreneurship, the creator economy, and leadership

Following the sale of IMA, Maddie launched BOND, a social shopping platform based in Los Angeles. Today, she is CEO and co-owner of For You Agency.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Maddie addresses the challenges facing entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders. How can brands stay relevant on social media? How can they collaborate effectively with creators? And how do you scale a young, creative team without losing your company culture?

Maddie Raedts as a speaker, host, or panellist

Maddie is an energetic, authentic, and down-to-earth guest speaker. She openly shares not only her successes but also the doubts and difficult decisions that come with entrepreneurship. Through relatable real-world examples and actionable insights, her keynotes and presentations offer valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders.

Themes that Maddie Raedts focuses on

Sessions

Female entrepreneurship and ambition

From growing up on a farm to becoming an international entrepreneur. Maddie Raedts shares how she founded IMA at just 21, built it into a global business, and eventually sold it to S4 Capital. In this personal keynote, she openly discusses the successes, doubts, and setbacks that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. With humor, energy, and practical lessons, Maddie reveals what it takes to think big, seize opportunities, and persevere. An inspiring keynote on ambition, courage, and entrepreneurship that encourages audiences to take the next step in their own journey.

Influencer marketing, trends and online culture

How can brands stay relevant in a world driven by TikTok, Instagram, and online creators? As a pioneer in influencer marketing, Maddie Raedts takes audiences through the evolution and future of the creator economy. Drawing on real-world examples from international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Google, and Unilever, she explores the trends that matter and how brands can collaborate effectively with creators. In this energetic and insightful keynote, she translates developments in social-first brand building, social commerce, and online communities into actionable insights and practical tips that marketers and brand professionals can apply immediately.

Entrepreneurship, scaling up and exit strategies

How do you build a successful business, scale internationally, and prepare for an exit? Maddie Raedts shares her firsthand experience of founding, growing, and selling IMA to S4 Capital. From investments and international expansion to acquisitions and starting over with a new venture in Los Angeles. In this insightful keynote, Maddie speaks openly and candidly about the successes, challenges, and decisions that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Through real-world examples and honest lessons, she offers entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders valuable insights to refine their own growth strategies.