Eileen Burbidge MBE, with her vast achievements and significant contributions to the UK's tech scene, has established herself not just as a key player but also as an inspiring motivational speaker. As the Chair of Tech City UK and Founder of Passion Capital, Eileen has been at the forefront of supporting and investing in groundbreaking digital businesses and startups across the United Kingdom. Her role as the British Treasury's "special envoy" for fintech in 2015 further highlights her extensive expertise and influence in the tech industry. With a foundation built on a BSc Engineering degree in Computer Science, her journey from innovative idea generation to being honoured with an MBE for her services to UK Business showcases a story of relentless ambition and success.
Throughout her career, Eileen Burbidge has served in notable advisory roles, including being a member of the Business Advisory Group under David Cameron and a Tech Ambassador for the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. These positions, coupled with her advisory roles in educational and cybersecurity initiatives, reflect her deep commitment to fostering the UK's tech ecosystem. Her contributions go beyond business development; they include advocating for technological education and innovation at both the national and community levels. Eileen's diverse involvement illustrates her holistic approach to tech advancement, making her a compelling and motivational speaker who can address a wide range of topics from entrepreneurship to cybersecurity.
As a partner at Passion Capital, Eileen's role extends to mentoring and guiding numerous fast-growing SMEs such as Monzo Bank and Digital Shadows. Her background in marketing and significant operational experience in companies like Yahoo!, Skype, and Apple have equipped her with an exceptional blend of insights, which she generously shares with upcoming entrepreneurs. Her transition from marketing to venture capital exemplifies a versatile career path, encouraging aspiring professionals in the tech industry to explore and adapt. Eileen's stories and experiences, shared on various platforms, serve as a beacon of motivation, demonstrating the impact of resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership.
Eileen Burbidge's journey is also a powerful narrative about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in the tech industry. As a woman of a minority background in a predominantly male field, her accomplishments are not just personal victories but also milestones for diversity and inclusion in technology. Her recognitions, including being listed in the WIRED100 and being named among the 'Top 100 minority ethnic leaders in technology' by the Financial Times, are testaments to her role as a trailblazer. Through her speeches, Eileen not only motivates but also empowers her audience, encouraging them to pursue innovation, embrace diversity, and make a meaningful impact in the tech world and beyond.