Piers Linney is a very high-profile British entrepreneur, investor, media commentator and keynote speaker with a remarkable journey spanning multiple industries. Piers grew up in a Lancashire mill town and went on to become a City lawyer and M&A banker despite many challenges throughout his journey. Piers has established himself as a renowned leader who inspires audiences with his unique insights, innovative thinking, and passion for driving positive change. Piers is a technology investor, commentator and a ‘Top Artificial Intelligence Voice’ on LinkedIn.
As a former investor on the hit BBC programme "Dragons' Den" (known as "Shark Tank" in the USA), Piers showcased his keen eye for identifying and nurturing promising businesses. His most notable investment, Wonderbly, became the most successful in the show's history, generating a remarkable 43x return upon its sale in 2021. Piers' experience on the programme, coupled with his extensive background in entrepreneurship, makes him a sought-after speaker on topics such as innovation, the future of work, AI, business growth, financing and entrepreneurship. Piers also appeared on Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire programme where he met and has since mentored a young prisoner who is now a cloud infrastructure expert employed by a large technology consultancy.
Piers' entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and innovative mindset. Despite facing challenges during the dotcom crash in 2000 and again in 2016, Piers persevered and has built businesses in the technology, media, telecommunications and additive manufacturing sectors. His success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, demonstrating the power of determination and the importance of embracing change. Piers is a co-founder and Chairman of Atherton Bikes, a cutting-edge mountain bike brand launched in collaboration with the 8x World Championship winning Atherton siblings. Atherton Bikes uses additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques to create bikes that won 1st and 2nd at the Word Championship in 2023.
In recent years, Piers has focused his attention on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the future of work and employment. As the co-founder of Implement AI, a next-generation technology partner for businesses, Piers helps organisations of all sizes understand and harness the power of AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. His keynote speeches on AI and the future of work provide audiences with a compelling vision of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Recognised as one of the top 100 most influential black Britons and featured in the Financial Times / EMpower top 100 list of Ethnic Minority Executives, Piers is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the business world. He draws from his personal experiences and professional expertise to deliver thought-provoking and actionable insights on fostering inclusive workplaces, leveraging diverse perspectives, and driving positive social change. Piers is a member of Sky's Diversity Advisory Council, which has a £30m budget, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's strategy towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation.
Piers' diverse background, which includes roles as a qualified solicitor, investment banker, fund manager, and as a Non-Executive Director of the government-owned British Business Bank during the roll-out of the £90bn in Covid support funding, gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of business, finance, and technology. He has represented and supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the government SME Procurement Panel, advocating for their crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. He was also a Trustee of Nesta, the UK's largest innovation foundation (£600m), for six years.
As a keynote speaker, Piers captivates audiences with his engaging storytelling, practical insights, and infectious passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether sharing his personal journey, discussing the future of work, or exploring the transformative potential of AI, Piers leaves a lasting impact on his listeners, inspiring them to think differently, embrace change, and strive for success.
For event organisers seeking a well-known, dynamic, knowledgeable, and inspiring speaker, Piers Linney is an exceptional choice. With his wealth of experience, thought-provoking ideas, and ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds, Piers delivers keynote speeches that resonate, educate, and motivate. By booking Piers for your event, you can be assured of a transformative experience that will leave your audience inspired, informed, and equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern business landscape.
Speaking Topics -
- Dragons’ Den and Secret Millionaire
- Impact of AI and technology
- How to implement AI in an organisation
- Personal journey from mill town to the City
- Business growth and scaling up
- Diversity and inclusion
- Future of work and employment
- The Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Interactive Q&As
“Piers was invited to speak at our conference. The focus of his content was AI, providing an overview of its current capabilities and how they might evolve over the next few years. The subject area was incredibly current for our business, uncovering a thirst for more insight across the audience. Piers had a deep knowledge of AI, answering surprisingly advanced questions with ease, his delivery was engaging and held the audience right to the end.”
“Piers was invited to speak at our conference. The focus of his content was AI, providing an overview of its current capabilities and how they might evolve over the next few years. The subject area was incredibly current for our business, uncovering a thirst for more insight across the audience. Piers had a deep knowledge of AI, answering surprisingly advanced questions with ease, his delivery was engaging and held the audience right to the end.”