Chris Barton is famous for conceiving and spearheading the invention of the breakthrough artificial intelligence technology known as Shazam. Famed as the Founder and first CEO of Shazam, Chris’s revolutionary technology has been downloaded over two billion times and was acquired by Apple for a reported staggering $400 million in 2018. A renowned expert on ‘different ways of thinking’ and game-changing innovation, Chris is now a popular choice as a keynote speaker. When looking for a speaker who is an expert on innovation, technology and disruptive thinking, look no further than Chris Barton.
Back in 1999, Chris began his illustrious career in Business Development for Microsoft. One year later, in 2000, Chris became the Founder and CEO of Shazam, bringing to the market a new and innovative piece of technology that has since become Apple’s sixth-largest acquisition of all time. Until 2018, Chris was an integral part of the Shazam enterprise, working as the Board Director before the firm was acquired by Apple. Alongside his work with Shazam, Chris has also worked in Strategic Partnerships – Mobile and as the Head of Android Business Development – Americas for Google, creating Android’s mobile carrier alliance framework from scratch.
Proving his worth as a technology entrepreneur and expert, Chris has also worked as the Head of Mobile Operators Business Development for Dropbox. Most recently, in 2020, Chris became the Founder and CEO of Guard Inc – another revolutionary artificial intelligence concept that would prevent drowning in swimming pools. When he is not pioneering the biggest developments in AI technology, Chris can be found starring on TV, having previously starred in the Super Bowl TV Ad and the Renault TV Ad. Chris has also been granted 12 patents, including those on inventions for Google, Shazam and Dropbox.
With a decorated career to his name, Chris is now a popular choice as a keynote speaker on innovation for events. Sharing how Shazam became a reality, Chris encourages audiences to ‘think differently’ and drive innovation. Dedicated to creating, inspiring and driving impact, Chris provides actionable takeaways on how to transform innovation within organisations. A seasoned speaker, Chris has formerly spoken for American Express, Coca-Cola, Accenture, Verizon and SAP to name but a few illustrious companies. If you are looking to inspire disruptive thinking or innovation at your next event, don’t hesitate to hire Chris Barton today.
Reviews
Chris Barton received a 4.5 star rating across 10 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"Chris Barton is an exemplary speaker on technology, renowned for inventing Shazam and driving innovative AI technology. With a career spanning Microsoft, Google, and Dropbox, Chris's expertise in disruptive thinking and game-changing innovation makes him an inspirational keynote choice for any event."
How to hire Chris Barton
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Chris Barton for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Chris Barton's official speaking topics are listed below:
Create Your Own Shazam Magic - Disrupt Your Thinking. Defy Barriers. Inspire Delight:
From the moment Chris Barton dreamt up Shazam, he was told identifying songs out of thin air was impossible. His path from a dream to a $400 million acquisition by Apple is a story out of a Hollywood movie. It’s Chris’s story and insights that give people the inspiration and tools to accomplish big things within their organisations. Chris customizes the emphasis of this presentation for each audience. He introduces lessons learned from founding Shazam, as well as his pioneering involvement with Android at Google and mobile partnerships at Dropbox. Concepts like “creative persistence” and his Start from Zero methodology are new ways of thinking and overcoming barriers. Startups use these concepts to tackle insurmountable obstacles, and you should too. Make big things happen and create Shazam-like magic in defiance of all odds.
The format can be a presentation or moderated conversation. Chris can tailor an inspiring message on creativity, innovation, leadership, resilience, collaboration and more. Audiences learn how to make big things happen by:
- Questioning the familiar to distil the basic truths
- Overcoming barriers with creative persistence
- Remaining focused on core insights despite resistance
- Making things simple and friction-free
- Replacing "uninspiring" with "delightful" by connecting to emotions
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events:
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Chris is perhaps the most driven person I have met. Shazam was a dream he invented, and his persistence and dedication were what eventually created the company. Chris is a true entrepreneur and I have always been in awe of his talent." - Jerry, Chairman, Learning Foundation
"As Founder and CEO of Shazam, Chris was an early inspiration to all who worked with him. A real dynamo - passionate about his company, and full of creative ideas." - Clayton, Owner, ImaginativeHR
- 2024 - Keynote speaker at the UnitedAg 44th Annual Meeting & Conference "CONNECT"
- 2020 - Founder & CEO of Guard Inc.
- 2011 - Head of Mobile Operators Business Development for Dropbox
- 2010 - Head of Android Business Development - Americas for Google
- 2004 - Strategic Partnerships - Mobile for Google
- 2000 - Founder, Original CEO & Board Director of Shazam
- 1999 - Business Development for Microsoft
