Karen Starns is CEO of Houseful, a comprehensive real estate technology platform acquired by Royal Bank of Canada in 2023. AI-fueled experience helps more Canadians realize their homeownership goals by bringing together insights-based guidance, industry experts, and financial resource support.

An award-winning technology and real estate industry executive, Karen was previously Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Austin-based startup OJO Labs. Her career spans more than 25 years in the tech industry, marked by transformative leadership roles at global powerhouses. With two stints at Amazon, a 13-year tenure at Microsoft, and an executive position at education leader Pearson, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and create competitive advantages.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen is also a lecturer in the McCombs School of Business and past Chair of the Master of Science in Marketing Advisory Council. She is a Fast Company Executive board member, an AI thought leader and practitioner, and a culinary startup founder.

Karen is a board member of Miracle Foundation, an international non-profit that aims to empower vulnerable children at scale through people and technology and an active mentor of women and up-and-coming leaders around the globe.