Martha Lane Fox

Martha Lane Fox, Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho, is a celebrated British entrepreneur, digital innovator and life peer, known not only for her trailblazing work in technology but also as a highly sought-after motivational speaker. With a powerful story of resilience, transformation and leadership, she inspires audiences around the world – particularly women in business, tech, and public service. Her talks often explore the intersection of digital inclusion, innovation, and overcoming adversity. Martha’s style is direct yet compassionate, grounded in personal experience, and driven by a deep belief in making technology accessible and empowering for all.

Martha began her career after studying Ancient and Modern History at Magdalen College, Oxford. In the late 1990s, she co-founded Lastminute.com, one of the most high-profile online businesses of the dotcom boom. The company was sold in 2005 for £577 million, cementing her status as a leading figure in the tech world. Her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by both success and significant personal challenges – including a life-altering car accident in 2004 that left her hospitalised for over a year. Yet, through her recovery, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to public service and advocacy.

In more recent years, Martha has held numerous high-profile positions that underscore her commitment to digital transformation. She served as the UK’s Digital Champion from 2009 to 2013, helping to launch GOV.UK and promote digital access across the country. She is a crossbench member of the House of Lords, the Chancellor of The Open University, and President of the British Chambers of Commerce. In 2024, she launched “Martha’s Mountain Mission”, marking the 20th anniversary of her accident by climbing the UK’s three highest peaks to raise funds for trauma recovery and digital inclusion charities – a project that perfectly encapsulates her personal and professional mission.

Martha is frequently hired as a speaker not just for her credentials, but because she offers something far more rare: a deeply human story of ambition, resilience and public impact. Her unique combination of business success, personal perseverance and commitment to social good makes her an inspiring voice for organisations seeking to drive meaningful change, empower women, and embrace digital futures with integrity.