Tom is a visionary entrepreneur and technology leader, renowned for his expertise in start-ups, technology, and business consulting, he has a track record of building billion-dollar companies and shaping the future of banking and fintech. His ability to navigate complex industries and drive innovation has made him a trusted voice in both the technology and financial sectors. Recognised for his impact, he was awarded an OBE in 2019 for Services to Improving Competition and Financial Inclusion in Banking. Tom speaks with authority on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of scaling businesses in high-growth environments.
Tom’s journey began with an entrepreneurial spirit when he co-founded Boso.com in 2004, after winning a £1,000 prize from Oxford Entrepreneurs for his business plan. He went on to earn a First-Class Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Oxford in 2008, before starting his career as an Associate Consultant at OC&C Strategy Consultants. His passion for fintech led him to co-found GoCardless in 2011, a company that revolutionised online payments. Recognised for his potential early on, he was named one of the top five entrepreneurs under thirty by the European Commission in 2013. This recognition fuelled his ambitions, and he soon joined Grouper, where he gained further experience in tech-driven business models.
In 2015, Tom took a bold step, founding Monzo Bank, a disruptor in digital banking that quickly gained a cult following. His leadership saw Monzo achieve unicorn status, and he later became President of Monzo in 2020, cementing his influence in the fintech sector. His expertise was further recognised by Y Combinator, the world’s leading start-up accelerator, where he became a Visiting Group Partner in 2021 and a Group Partner in 2023. The companies Tom has worked with now boast a combined value of $5 billion. His ability to scale businesses, foster innovation, and drive industry change makes him a dominant force in technology and entrepreneurship.
Tom is hired as a speaker because of his unparalleled insights into start-up success, technology disruption, and financial innovation. His journey from Oxford law graduate to serial entrepreneur and tech leader inspires audiences worldwide. With a deep understanding of resilience, leadership, and the challenges of modern business, he delivers impactful talks that resonate with entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders alike. His advocacy for mental health in the tech and banking industries adds a human element to his message, making him not only a speaker of substance but also of purpose.
