Kai-Fu Lee

Chairman of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council, Former Vice President at Apple, Google & Microsoft & Bestselling Author of AI 2041

Kai-Fu Lee’s Biography:

Kai-Fu Lee is a Taiwanese-born computer scientist, AI expert, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist who currently serves as CEO of Sinovation Ventures, an investment firm focused on artificial intelligence start-ups. He is frequently invited as a London keynote speaker because of his global perspective on AI innovation, his leadership roles at major technology companies in both the United States and China, and his ability to explain how artificial intelligence will shape business, jobs, and society. His books ‘AI Superpowers and AI 2041’, along with his influence in global AI policy and investment, make him a sought-after voice for organisations seeking insight into the future of technology.

Kai-Fu Lee was born in Taipei and educated in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and later completed a PhD in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, specialising in speech recognition. He began his career as a research scientist at Carnegie Mellon before moving into leadership roles across major technology companies, including Apple, SGI, Microsoft, and Google. These early experiences helped him build deep expertise in artificial intelligence, product development, and global technology strategy, laying the foundation for his later success as an AI investor, author, and influential thought leader.

Why Hire Kai-Fu Lee?

Kai-Fu Lee is often hired as a London keynote speaker because he combines decades of hands-on leadership in artificial intelligence with global recognition as a thought leader on its societal impact. Named to the Time 100 Most Influential People in AI list in 2023, he is widely respected for shaping how businesses, governments, and educators think about AI adoption and long-term strategy. Organisations invite him to speak because he can clearly explain how emerging technologies will affect productivity, global competition, and the future of work in ways that are practical for European companies and policymakers.

Another reason he is sought after is his ability to address the human side of artificial intelligence. His well-known TED Talk, How AI Can Save Our Humanity, highlights ethical issues, the importance of creativity and empathy, and how societies can adapt to technological change. Audiences, especially in finance, education, and public policy, value this balanced approach, since he discusses both the opportunities and risks of AI while offering concrete ideas for responsible innovation.

Finally, his long career across research, engineering, and executive leadership gives him credibility with both technical and non-technical audiences. Having worked in senior roles over several decades, he has witnessed multiple waves of technological transformation first-hand. This experience allows him to share real examples of innovation cycles, leadership lessons, and cross-cultural collaboration, topics that resonate strongly with international organisations hosting major conferences and events in London.

Kai-Fu Lee’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Kai-Fu Lee’s impressive career:

• 2023 – Named as one of the Time 100 Most Influential People in AI
• 2021 – Author of “AI 2041”
• 2018 – Author of “AI Super-Powers”
• 2018 – Delivered TED Talk “How AI Can Save Our Humanity”
• 2009 – CEO, Sinovation Ventures
• 2005 – Vice President, Google
• 1998 – Corporate Vice President, Microsoft
• 1996 – Vice President, SGI
• 1990 – Vice President, Apple
• 1988 – Research Computer Scientist, Carnegie Mellon University