Piers Lenny

About

Piers Lenny

Piers Linney has forged his empire as a high-profile British entrepreneur, investor, media commentator and keynote speaker whose remarkable journey spans multiple industries. 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.

Piers grew up in a Lancashire mill town and went on to become a City lawyer and M&A banker despite challenges. Since then, Piers has established himself as a renowned leader who inspires audiences with his unique insights, innovative thinking and passion for driving positive change. Today, 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, having met and mentored a young prisoner who is now a cloud infrastructure expert for 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 also the Co-Founder and Chairman of Atherton Bikes, a cutting-edge mountain bike brand launched in collaboration with the 8x World Championship-winning Atherton siblings – using additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques to create bikes that won 1st and 2nd at the Word Championship in 2023. Piers’ diverse background, which includes roles as a qualified solicitor, investment banker, fund manager and Non-Executive Director of the 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. Throughout his career, Piers has 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.

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 also a member of Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council, playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation.

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 hiring 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.

Champions Speakers Director, Jack Hayes, sat down with Piers to discover his thoughts on cloud technology. Later, in August 2023, we sat down virtually with Piers to discuss why AI is so critical to business. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Piers Linney.