The Curious Case of Mike Lynch: The Improbable Life & Death of a Tech Billionaire

by Katie Prescott

Mike Lynch was a maverick outsider of British business. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of the UK’s richest men, selling enterprise software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for over £11bn in 2011, a sale which led to one of the biggest fraud cases in Silicon Valley history. After his acquittal in May 2024, Lynch (alongside his daughter and five others) tragically died when his super-yacht Bayesian sunk off the coast of northern Sicily 72 days later. His co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain, was killed on the same day, hit by a car in Cambridge.

Drawing on extensive research and exclusive access to key sources, The Curious Case of Mike Lynch follows the billionaire's dramatic rise and fall, through to his unlikely and tragic death. It’s a thrilling story of money, power and deception, taking readers into a high-stakes world of corporate subterfuge and rivalries. Investigating one of the most fascinating men in the history of British business, Prescott reflects on Lynch’s legacy, outlining lessons from a truly unique life which serve as both a warning and inspiration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Business

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Julie Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy.

I remember the news story of the billionaire who tragically died on his yacht in the Mediterranean in 2024 in a freak storm and it was really interesting to read about his background.

I hadn't heard of Mike Lynch before reading this which is surprising as he's billed as the British Bill Gates. A highly intelligent and driven man, Lynch launched a number of tech companies in the UK and became very rich on the back of his investments. Autonomy was an early precursor to AI which finally caught the attention of Hewlett Packard in the US who bought it in 2011. However the value was highly inflated and the acquisition was a disaster. HP then brought charges against Lynch and he faced almost certain imprisonment in the US. Incredibly and against the odds he, and his co-defendant in the trial Steve Chamberlain, were found not guilty.

In a cruel twist of shocking coincidence, just three months after their new found freedom in September 2024, Steve Chamberlain was involved in a road accident while out running that led to his death the very same weekend when Mike Lynch, his daughter and five others drowned when Lynch's super yacht Bayesian sank.

[^ Holly ^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost comforting to read about a toxic work culture far worse than you have experienced. Piranhas on display in reception and meeting rooms named after Bond villains is a great start. //

An interesting read for anyone who couldn’t believe that two men involved in the controversy could die within a day of each other. //

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb.

Well researched and written in an easily digestible format, this engrossing book clearly explains and examines the life and drivers of an extraordinary character.

Innovator, leader, family man, joker, alleged criminal and far more besides, he had it all.

A cracking and absorbing read. Great stuff.

[Martin Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a factual documentary style especially about business related stories and this book is no exception. It’s well written with a great level of detail and research but it dosent detract from the unbelievable story that unfolds. A great read.

[Mr David Bevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Brilliant read hard to put down. Increased my admiration for a brilliant man.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

An improbable tale that reads like a novel.