Matt Clifford

Co-Founder of Entrepreneurs First & Code First Girls, Former Adviser on AI for the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street & Author of ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’

Matt Clifford’s Biography:

Matt Clifford is a British entrepreneur and policymaker at the forefront of the United Kingdom’s artificial intelligence strategy. As Co-Founder of Entrepreneurs First and Chair of the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, Matt has played a central role in shaping both early-stage technology ecosystems and national AI policy. He led the preparatory work and negotiations for the 2023 AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park and helped design the Frontier AI Task Force. Awarded an MBE for services to business and later a CBE for services to AI, he has been named to the TIME AI100 list of the world’s most influential figures in artificial intelligence.

Matt co-founded Entrepreneurs First in 2011, pioneering a model that builds technology companies from individuals at pre-team stage and helping launch hundreds of venture-backed startups globally. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, he has served on the boards of Code First Girls, which he co-founded, as well as the Kennedy Memorial Trust and Accurx. Between 2018 and 2022, he authored the weekly newsletter ‘Thoughts in Between‘, examining AI, geopolitics and metascience, and has written for publications including Wired and City AM.

In 2023, Matt was appointed to lead preparations and negotiations for the landmark AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, positioning the UK at the centre of global AI governance discussions. In 2024, he announced he would lead a review of AI opportunities for the incoming British Labour Government. In 2025, he was appointed the Prime Minister’s Adviser on AI in 10 Downing Street, further cementing his influence in national technology policy, before stepping down from the role in June 2025.

Matt is co-author of ‘How to Be a Founder’, which won Startup Book of the Year in 2023. A frequent commentator on artificial intelligence and innovation, he regularly appears in national media including ‘Sunday’ with Laura Kuenssberg and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today‘. His work bridges entrepreneurship, public policy and frontier technology, making him one of the UK’s most significant voices on AI strategy and governance.

Why Hire Matt Clifford?

Matt is hired as a speaker for his rare combination of entrepreneurial credibility and frontline policy leadership in artificial intelligence. Having co-founded one of Europe’s most influential startup builders and chaired a national research agency, he offers strategic insight into innovation ecosystems, venture building and the future of frontier technologies.

With direct experience leading the AI Safety Summit and advising the Prime Minister on AI, Matt provides audiences with authoritative perspectives on global AI governance, regulation and opportunity. His media presence and bestselling authorship ensure he communicates complex policy and technical issues with clarity, relevance and practical application.

Matt Clifford’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Matt Clifford’s impressive career:

• 2025 – Appointed the Prime Minister’s Adviser on AI in 10 Downing Street before stepping down in June 2025.
• 2024 – Awarded a CBE for services to artificial intelligence and led a review of AI opportunities for the British Government.
• 2023 – Led preparations and negotiations for the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park.
• 2023 – Helped design the UK Frontier AI Task Force.
• 2023 – Co-authored How to Be a Founder, which won Startup Book of the Year.
• 2016 – Awarded an MBE for services to business.
• 2011 – Co-founded Entrepreneurs First, pioneering a new model of venture creation.