From Challenge to Change: How SpeakUp’s AI Platform Empowers Voices in the Events Industry

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) The world of public speaking has traditionally been limited by agency-driven systems and manual processes. Event organizers often struggle to find the right voices for their conferences, podcasts, and media appearances, relying on intermediaries and long searches. Similarly, speakers and creators frequently depend on agents or personal connections to secure opportunities. However, this system is evolving, and at the forefront of this change is SpeakUp, a Dubai-based startup utilizing AI to reshape the $2.9 trillion global events industry.

Launched with a mission to connect speakers, podcasters, media outlets, and event organizers in real-time, SpeakUp seeks to make public speaking accessible to more people, regardless of location. The platform’s innovative approach has already attracted significant attention from industry leaders and thousands of users worldwide.

A Global Mission: Empowering Voices to Be Heard

Helen Kareva, the founder of SpeakUp, envisioned a platform that would break barriers to public speaking. “We’re building a world where experts can be discovered, booked, and heard without the need for agents or extensive connections,” she says. Through her leadership, SpeakUp has become an advanced solution connecting verified speakers with event organizers, helping to streamline their processes and broaden their reach.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. After appearing on The Final Pitch, the Middle Eastern equivalent of Shark Tank, Helen faced a health challenge that jeopardized the platform’s future. “My recovery became a symbol of resilience,” she reflects. “I believed in SpeakUp’s mission to make every voice matter, even when life itself tested my strength.”

Today, Helen’s persistence has led SpeakUp to become one of the most innovative digital solutions in the UAE, and with its AI-driven features, the platform is poised to revolutionize the way speakers are booked globally.

The AI-Powered Ecosystem: Shaping the Speaker Booking Experience

What distinguishes SpeakUp from traditional platforms is its AI-powered matching engine. While most agencies and platforms rely on manual searches and email negotiations, SpeakUp’s technology automates the process, instantly connecting speakers with organizers. The system takes into account event types, audience demographics, and speaker profiles to ensure that each match is ideal.

This automation creates a faster, smarter, and more transparent experience for everyone involved.

Introducing the “Requests” Feature: Revolutionizing the Booking Process

A key feature of SpeakUp is the “Requests” system, which redefines the traditional model of speaker bookings. In a way similar to job postings, event organizers, podcasters, and journalists can post open calls for speakers and experts. Speakers can then apply to these requests with a single tap, removing the need for agents and negotiations.

This system speeds up the process significantly, making it up to ten times faster and more transparent than traditional booking methods. It’s especially beneficial for smaller or emerging voices that may have been overlooked in the past.

Recognition and Milestones: Building Global Recognition

SpeakUp’s success has garnered attention on a global scale. The platform was recently shortlisted for the prestigious “Best in AI” at the BroadcastPro Awards.

In addition to these accolades, SpeakUp has been featured on OSN+ TV’s The Final Pitch, where Helen shared her vision with viewers and investors. The show’s upcoming 10-episode run, starting in November, is expected to further enhance the platform’s visibility.

A Comprehensive Platform for Speakers, Organizers, and Media

SpeakUp is more than just a directory for speakers; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem supporting every stage of the speaker journey. Event organizers benefit from a unified dashboard that allows them to manage bookings, schedules, and event details, while speakers receive personalized recommendations through AI-powered profiles that help boost their visibility and attract more opportunities.

The platform’s multilingual capabilities and global reach, spanning over 10 countries including the MENA region, the US, Europe, India, and Singapore, ensure that users from diverse backgrounds and regions can connect. With over 30,000 users already onboard, SpeakUp is quickly becoming the go-to platform for discovering speakers, managing event bookings, and securing media appearances.

Looking Ahead: Scaling and Monetization

In the future, SpeakUp plans to monetize its platform through subscription models and a marketplace connecting users with trusted partners in PR, coaching, production, and venue services. With its AI-powered matchmaking system, evolving features, and strong user base, SpeakUp is well-positioned to become a central hub for global public speaking, events, and media exposure.

Get Involved: Explore SpeakUp’s Platform

For event organizers, speakers, and media professionals looking to streamline their processes and enhance their visibility, SpeakUp offers an innovative and user-friendly platform. Join the growing global community and start experiencing the benefits of AI-powered speaker matchmaking today.

Explore SpeakUp or follow the platform on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Crunchbase.