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Embracing AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and the future of work, Piers draws on his varied experiences to explore strategy, the use of AI, and leading through change. A champion of diversity and inclusion, he also considers how inclusive leadership combined with digital transformation can unlock performance, resilience and long-term growth.
Piers Linney is an entrepreneur, investor and business commentator whose career spans law, banking, technology and venture capital. A former ‘Dragon’ on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, and co-founder of Implement AI, he is a leader in innovation, business growth and strategy, and the potential of artificial intelligence in the future of work.
Starting his professional life as a solicitor specialising in corporate finance, Piers moved into investment banking at Credit Suisse before founding and growing businesses in the technology, media, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors. He has built and led resilient, agile businesses that have weathered challenges from the dotcom crash to the global financial crisis.
Piers is the co-founder of Implement AI, an award-winning AI solutions company helping organisations realise the potential of AI to drive innovation and improve systems and processes. He is also the co-founder and Chairman of Atherton Bikes, a pioneering mountain bike brand that applies 3D printing technologies to manufacture bikes. Riders of Atherton bikes won gold and silver at the 2023 World Championships. Whilst Piers' Dragons’ Den investment in publishing technology business Wonderbly remains the show’s most financially successful.
A champion of diversity and inclusion, Piers has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Black Britons, and featured on the Financial Times / EMpower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Executives list. He sits on Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council, and he frequently speaks on how diverse leadership and inclusive cultures drive better performance and innovation. He also appeared on Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire, where he mentored a young offender who is now a successful tech professional, reflecting Piers' commitment to social mobility.
With a practical approach to leadership, inclusion and innovation, Piers considers how AI and technology will redefine industries, workplaces and roles and what needs to be done to prepare and take advantage. With an entrepreneur’s perspective and a passion for new ideas and growth, he encourages audiences to embrace disruption, scale their vision, and shape the future.
Piers has also served on numerous boards including the British Business Bank, which oversaw £90billion in COVID-19 funding support, was a Trustee of Nesta, the UK’s leading innovation foundation, and represented the voice of SMEs on the Cabinet Office SME Panel.
