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ABOUT
Piers Linney MBE is a 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. He has established himself as a renowned leader who inspires audiences with his unique insights, innovative thinking, and passion for driving positive change.
He is recognised as a ‘Top Artificial Intelligence Voice’ on LinkedIn and is the co-founder of Implement AI, a leading provider of digital worker solutions to organisations of all sizes. Implement AI was voted ‘AI Startup of the Year – London’ in the UK Startup Awards 2025. Piers was awarded an MBE by HM The King in 2026 for services to small business, entrepreneurs, investors, banking, diversity, and social mobility.
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. His 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, 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, he persevered and 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 achieved 1st and 2nd place at the World Championships 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 co-founder of Implement AI, a next-generation technology partner for businesses, he 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 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, and plays 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 Non-Executive Director of the government-owned British Business Bank during the roll-out of £90 billion 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 engaging storytelling, practical insights, and an 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, he 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.
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