
<p>At Web Summit, we believe that the most transformative conversations don’t just happen in a boardroom; they happen at the intersection of diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and collective curiosity.</p>



<p>This year, with our new <a href="https://vancouver.websummit.com/pick-a-speaker/">‘Pick a Speaker’</a> campaign, we invited our community to lend us their expert eye. You didn&#8217;t just suggest topics &#8211; you identified the leaders who are actively shaping the future. You told us who needs to be heard, and we listened.</p>



<p>The response was overwhelming, and the caliber of the final selection is a testament to the depth of our community&#8217;s insight. We are happy to welcome:</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helen-riley"><a href="https://vancouver.websummit.com/sessions/van26/423b641b-7645-4096-a2c0-625ef31cc2a1/dreaming-big-talking-moonshots-in-2026/">Helen Riley</a></h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Helen-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-99492" srcset="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Helen-resized-300x300.jpg 300w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Helen-resized-150x150.jpg 150w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Helen-resized.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>



<p>Helen Riley is the CFO and COO of X, the moonshot factory. A 20+ year Google veteran, she leads investment strategy for radical tech like Waymo and Wing. She is a board member at Marqeta and Eventbrite.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mahesh-krishnaswamy"><a href="https://vancouver.websummit.com/sessions/van26/423b641b-7645-4096-a2c0-625ef31cc2a1/dreaming-big-talking-moonshots-in-2026/">Mahesh Krishnaswamy</a></h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Mahesh-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-99493" style="width:500px;height:auto" srcset="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Mahesh-resized-300x300.jpg 300w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Mahesh-resized-150x150.jpg 150w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/Mahesh-resized.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>



<p>Mahesh Krishnaswamy is the Founder and CEO of Taara. A former leader at Apple and Google’s Project Loon, he uses wireless optical technology (beams of light) to deliver high-speed, affordable internet to underserved global communities. Alongside Helen, Mahesh’s session will deep dive into the &#8220;Moonshot&#8221; philosophy and discovering how to systematize radical innovation.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-james-delorme"><a href="https://vancouver.websummit.com/sessions/van26/cf118798-0432-4e30-9dba-041b3ba610f0/private-equity-inclusion-for-indigenous-projects/">James Delorme</a></h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/James-resized.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-99494" style="width:500px;height:auto" srcset="https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/James-resized-300x300.jpg 300w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/James-resized-150x150.jpg 150w, https://vancouver.websummit.com/wp-media/2026/04/James-resized.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>



<p>James is an Indigenous leader driving digital innovation. As former Chief of the Klahoose First Nation, he championed community development. Now, he leads Indigelink &amp; the Indigenous Infrastructure Fund, bridging the digital divide for First Nations. James’ session will delve into the critical need to explore how private equity and infrastructure development must evolve to support Indigenous-led projects.</p>



<p>The stage is set, but it wouldn’t be complete without you.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-want-to-be-a-part-of-it-secure-your-tickets-for-web-summit-vancouver-2026-today-and-ensure-you-have-a-front-row-seat-to-the-future">If you want to be a part of it, <a href="https://vancouver.websummit.com/tickets/attendees/">secure your tickets for Web Summit Vancouver 2026 today</a> and ensure you have a front-row seat to the future.</h4>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-ll-see-you-in-vancouver">We’ll see you in Vancouver.</h4>



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