Piers Linney, the joint chief executive of Manchester-based cloud computing company Outsourcery, has been named as the newest ‘dragon’ on BBC series Dragons’ Den.
Linney, who grew up in the Lancashire town of Bacup, will replace Theo Paphitis and join regulars Duncan Bannatyne, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and another new member of the team, interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Linney said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to join Dragons’ Den and once again support entrepreneurs both financially and through my extensive network.
Piers Linney
“I also think I can widen the appeal of the Den to information economy entrepreneurs as they are key to the future success of the UK economy.”
Executive producer Ceri Aston added: “Piers is a new breed of dragon. A young and dynamic digital entrepreneur, he has his finger on the pulse of an industry that has never been represented in the Den before.”
Departing dragon Paphitis said: “The time felt right to give up my seat, stop breathing fire and allow someone else to enjoy the wonderful experience of being a Dragon.”
A qualified solicitor, Linney also worked as an investment banker and venture capital fund manager and was named in The Power List of the UK’s 100 most influential black Britons. He has also appeared on the Channel 4 series Secret Millionaire.
Outsourcery was launched in 2007 and employs 150 people across the UK.
