Brian Sharkey is Co-Head of Innovation Ecosystems at Barclays Innovation Banking, where he helps founders navigate the technology and innovation landscape and connect with the right people, resources and opportunities to grow. With nearly 20 years at Barclays, Brian brings deep organisational insight shaped by hands-on customer experience, ecosystem development, and long-term partnership building. Throughout his career, Brian has been at the heart of the UK innovation community, working closely with founders, accelerators, universities, tech clusters and industry partners to strengthen the conditions in which early-stage businesses can thrive. He is known for his ability to listen carefully, understand what founders need, and translate complex situations into practical next steps. Brian is passionate about supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and helping them build momentum, whether through strategic connections, ecosystem insight, or simple, honest guidance. His collaborative approach and genuine curiosity have made him a trusted partner across the innovation economy.