Outsourcery chief Linney tells Dragons' Den: 'I'm out'

Boss of cloud firm to depart TV show after two years

Outsourcery chief executive Piers Linney has announced he is stepping down from his seat on Dragons' Den after two years on the show.

Linney, who replaced Theo Paphitis when he joined the Dragons, invested heavily during his spell on the show, including a £100,000 investment in technology start-up Lost My Name which creates stories for children. The departing Dragon asserted that he will maintain a close working relationship with this company and all the others he invested in during his stint in the Den.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time on Dragons' Den and feel honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an iconic and long-running TV show and to have been the first Dragon with Afro-Caribbean heritage," said Linney. "It is now the right time for me to move on, although entrepreneurship and diversity are two of my greatest passions so I will continue to focus my energies on supporting both. It has been a great experience and a pleasure to share with millions of viewers the growing importance of digital innovation and how the technology and creative sectors are making their profound marks on the evolving landscape of British business."

David Williams, creative director, BBC Entertainment North, commented, "Piers Linney has been an inspiration on the programme, his entrepreneurial expertise from the world of technology will be missed in the Den and we wish him continued success in his future ventures."

The Outsourcery man's exit follows recent news that fellow Dragons Kelly Hoppen and Duncan Bannatyne are also saying goodbye to the Den. It is not yet known who will replace the trio on the show, which this month celebrates the 10th anniversary of its first appearance on UK television screens.