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Shazam founder & innovation speaker

Chris Barton

Transform technological challenges into opportunities with Chris Barton, speaker and Shazam founder. Chris works with organizations to foster innovation, overcome obstacles, and identify market gaps, delivering groundbreaking solutions adopted by Apple, Google, and over 2 billion users worldwide.

Trusted by Apple, Google

Chris Barton, Speaker | Shazam Founder & Tech Innovator
Chris Barton

Chris Barton

San Francisco, United States

Typical fee range

$51k–75k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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San Francisco, United States

Starting from

$51k–75k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Chris Barton's biography

At a glance

  • Creator of Shazam music recognition app
  • Technology innovator with twelve patents
  • Early leader at Google and Dropbox
Chris Barton, founder and creator of Shazam, transforms seemingly impossible technological challenges into groundbreaking solutions that change how people interact with the world around them. As the visionary behind Shazam, Chris developed an app downloaded over 2 billion times before becoming Apple's sixth-largest acquisition. His innovation portfolio includes 12 patents, with one incorporated into Google's search algorithm. Chris also held pivotal roles as Google's first mobile-focused employee and among Dropbox's initial 100 team members. Chris helps organizations navigate technological transformation by demonstrating how persistence and innovative thinking overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His journey with Shazam—from concept to global phenomenon—provides a blueprint for identifying market gaps and creating solutions that anticipate consumer needs. His current venture, Guard, applies AI to detect drowning in swimming pools, showcasing his commitment to life-changing applications. Audiences leave Chris's presentations with practical frameworks for fostering innovation within existing structures, strategies for persevering through expert skepticism, and techniques for identifying friction points that represent business opportunities. His personal story of leveraging dyslexia as a strength particularly resonates with diverse teams. Book Chris to inspire your team with a proven innovator who transforms "impossible" challenges into world-changing opportunities.

Chris's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Bring Impossible Ideas to Life
Chris Barton, co-founder of Shazam, highlights how technology and AI are reshaping possibilities. He shares his journey of creating Shazam, despite skepticism from experts who deemed his vision impossible. His story illustrates the importance of stepping beyond familiar boundaries to innovate. In this presentation, attendees will gain insights into transforming ideas into reality and learn a new framework for driving change through technology, empowering them to envision and create future innovations.
Overcome Obstacles with Imagination
Chris Barton emphasizes that a great idea alone is insufficient without tenacity. He illustrates how true disruption demands persistence and innovative solutions, sharing his journey in creating Shazam amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges. Rather than giving up, Chris questioned every assumption and overcame obstacles with determination. Attendees will gain actionable insights and new mindsets to challenge the status quo and navigate the details necessary for redefining the future.
Eliminate Effort to Unlock Explosive Growth
Chris Barton explores why many organizations struggle to create exceptional products like Apple despite the simplicity being key. He highlights the pervasive friction that complicates processes and frustrates customers and partners. Drawing from his experience in developing Shazam and his tenure at Android and Dropbox, Chris shares compelling stories and practical examples. Attendees will learn how to identify and eliminate friction in their own organizations, ultimately driving growth and innovation.
Build the Vision You See (But Others Don't)
Chris Barton understands that entrepreneurs often face challenges on their journey to success. With passion and innovative ideas, they can become stuck. Through the story of Shazam's creation, Chris shares valuable insights on overcoming obstacles, prioritizing effectively, and persuading others to embrace their vision. Attendees will learn how to adopt a mindset that fosters creativity and resilience, empowering them to build the next great companies.

Why we recommend booking Chris

Chris Barton, founder of Shazam and holder of 12 patents, transforms seemingly impossible technological challenges into groundbreaking solutions that have impacted billions of users worldwide. Book this visionary innovator to inspire your team with practical frameworks for fostering innovation and strategies for turning obstacles into world-changing opportunities.

Check Chris's availability

Trusted by Apple, Google

Testimonials

The feedback has been phenomenal…the way you wove together your entrepreneurial journey, lessons from founding Shazam, and insights about AI-driven innovation kept everyone thoroughly engaged.

AWS

Your presentation at PDW was not just a highlight—it was a visionary revelation. It left us inspired and eager to embrace the future. The way you blended your life and Shazam story with a masterclass in innovation weaved through it resonated deeply with our audience.

President, DPI Canada

That was one of the best speeches I've ever heard - the story was incredibly compelling, the messages resonated, the format - slide/music/video - was engaging. just a total home run!

VP & GM, BMC Software

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Chris Barton for my next event?
Email chris.barton@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Chris's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Chris Barton's speaking style like?
Chris Barton structures his presentations around the founding narrative of Shazam, using it as a case study to walk audiences through a framework for identifying friction points, challenging assumptions, and converting obstacles into innovation opportunities.
What topics does Chris Barton specialise in?
Chris Barton's sessions cover turning impossible ideas into reality through technology and AI, overcoming obstacles with persistence and innovative thinking, and eliminating friction to drive organisational growth. He co-founded Shazam, an app downloaded over two billion times that became Apple's sixth-largest acquisition.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.