Chris Barton is the founder and creator of Shazam, a revolutionary app that changed the way the world identifies and discovers music, with over 2 billion downloads. In 2018, Shazam was acquired by Apple for $400 million, making it the company's sixth largest acquisition to date. Not only did the app become an essential part of everyday life for millions of people around the world, but it also paved the way for the consumer AI industry we know today.
In addition to being the mastermind behind Shazam, Chris has been an entrepreneur in three startups and is an advisor and investor in several startups in areas including artificial intelligence and therapies for inflammatory diseases. His impact on the tech industry is not limited to Shazam, as he was also the first Google employee responsible for mobile development, where he helped establish the framework for Android operator partnerships. He was also part of Dropbox, where he was one of the first 100 employees, and played a key role in the company's strategic partnerships with major mobile operators.
Chris has patented 12 technological innovations, including one used in Google's search algorithm, highlighting his contribution to the technology industry. He currently devotes much of his time to his latest start-up, Guard, which uses artificial intelligence to detect drowning in swimming pools, an unprecedented challenge that seeks to save lives through innovation.
In his lectures, Chris shares the story of how he turned an impossible idea into a globally used reality. From his early days of dreaming up a way to identify songs through mobile devices, to creating a technology that didn't exist, to building the world's largest music database, Chris has always shown an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. Even when experts told him his idea was not feasible, he persisted and eventually created Shazam, which he launched as a phone service before the era of mobile apps. Years later, the launch of the App Store allowed Shazam to reach its true potential.
In addition to his success in technology, Chris is also a firm believer in the power of creativity and resilience, which is reflected in his personal story. The son of a French mother and British father, both university professors, Chris grew up struggling with academic difficulties due to undiagnosed dyslexia. However, he transformed this condition, which used to be a barrier, into what he now considers his ‘superpower’. This positive outlook has helped him tackle challenges in innovative ways, allowing him to excel in the competitive world of technology.
With degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and Cambridge University, Chris has a strong academic background. Today, in addition to his entrepreneurial responsibilities, he spends part of his time teaching innovation and entrepreneurship at various online universities, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. His passion for creating technological solutions that solve seemingly impossible problems has made Chris Barton an influential and admired figure in the world of technology.
In his talks, Chris not only recounts his inspirational journey, but also motivates audiences to take action and challenge the seemingly impossible. His lessons on innovation, persistence and breaking down barriers give attendees new ways of thinking and push them to do great things in their own organisations.With his ability to create technological magic and his focus on transforming difficulties into opportunities, Chris Barton is a living example of how determination and vision can change the world.
