Krisztina Holly

Krisztina Holly—known to colleagues as “Z”—has been at the frontiers of innovation throughout her career. She invests in early-stage complex science and technology startups as partner at Good Growth Capital and is a sought-after speaker and advisor to organisations around the world. 

Z is best known as the curator of the first-ever TEDx event and the former vice provost for innovation at the University of Southern California. She started her career as a serial tech entrepreneur in Boston and Silicon Valley before spending over a decade building pioneering innovation centers at MIT and USC. These efforts helped launch ventures raising over $1.5B in capital, and the White House subsequently invited her to spread her novel model across the United States. Recognized by Rolling Stone, Forbes, and WIRED magazines for her ability to scout and cultivate talent, she has coached hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs across the private sector, academia, and government.
Z earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Z is an avid private pilot and backcountry skier, and she works and adventures from her home base in Los Angeles.