Piers Linney MBE is an entrepreneur, investor and influential commentator with experience spanning technology, media, finance and advanced manufacturing. He is Co-founder of Implement AI, a fast-growing AI company providing managed digital workforces, recognised as AI Startup of the Year – London at the UK Startup Awards 2025.
He is also Chairman and Co-founder of Atherton Bikes, a pioneering additive manufacturing company producing world championship-winning mountain bikes, placing 1st and 2nd at the 2023 UCI World Championships.
Piers is widely recognised for his role as an investor on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den and his appearance on Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire. His earlier career includes roles as a qualified lawyer specialising in venture capital, investment banking at Credit Suisse, and alternative asset fund management. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of the British Business Bank, supporting the rollout of £90bn in Covid business support schemes.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and social mobility, Piers has been named among the UK’s 100 most influential Black Britons and one of the top ethnic minority executives in the UK. He has also served as a Trustee of Nesta and sits on Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council, winning Diversity Champion of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2024.
Piers is a regular media commentator across Sky News, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC and more, and co-hosts The Implement AI Podcast. He also writes the bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter Business as Usual?, reaching thousands of business leaders on AI, technology and economics.
An engaging and insightful speaker, Piers delivers keynote talks for global brands and major industry events including Tech Show London, AI & Big Data World and SME Expo, helping organisations navigate change, growth and the impact of AI.
Speaker topics
- AI, technology & the future of work
Exploring how AI is reshaping business, skills and society — and what leaders need to do next. - Scaling up & business growth
Practical insights into scaling businesses, driving change and unlocking sustainable growth. - Entrepreneurship & investment
Lessons from Dragons’ Den, venture investing and building high-growth companies. - Personal journey
From a Lancashire mill town to investment banking, entrepreneurship and national television. - Diversity, inclusion & social mobility
The business case for diversity, informed by personal experience and leadership roles. - Dragons’ Den & Secret Millionaire
Behind-the-scenes insights, including investing in tech and experiences working with young offenders.
