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Alex Partridge is a British entrepreneur best known for creating UNILAD and LADbible, two of the most influential digital media brands that emerged during the rise of social media. His journey from university dropout to digital media innovator is marked by both remarkable success and profound personal challenges, including battles with mental health and a late diagnosis of ADHD.
In 2010, Alex launched UNILAD and later created LADbible, which he sold in 2012 to focus on expanding UNILAD. By leveraging Facebook’s growing influence, UNILAD amassed a massive following, becoming a dominant force in online media with a following of more than 50 million.
At age 34, Alex was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that provided clarity on his past behaviours and challenges. He has since become a prominent advocate for mental health and neurodiversity
Alex has transitioned into a sought-after speaker, delivering over 200 talks for organisations such as Formula 1, BBC, TED, Experian, and British Airways. His presentations cover topics like entrepreneurship, mental health, and the dynamics of social media.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book Social Media, Technology, ADHD, mental health, digital disruption speaker Alex Partridge for your next event.
Alex Partridge was born and raised in Eastbourne, England. From an early age, he exhibited entrepreneurial tendencies, such as creating a board game he submitted to companies, setting up a stall outside his home to sell items his father – an antiques dealer – couldn’t sell, and starting a car-washing business.
Despite these ventures, Alex faced challenges during his school years, experiencing anxiety and feelings of isolation. He later attended Oxford Brookes University to study hospitality management but dropped out in his first term.
During his time at university, he started a late-night pizza delivery service from his bedroom, which was eventually shut down due to health and safety regulations. But in 2010, he launched UNILAD, a Facebook page that quickly gained traction with its blend of viral videos, humour, and “lad culture” content. Recognising the platform’s potential, he later created LADbible, which he sold in 2012 to focus on expanding UNILAD.
Over time, UNILAD expanded to include human interest stories, news, and social issues, gaining millions of followers globally. Its blend of entertainment and socially conscious content made it a major player in online media.
LADbible evolved into one of the most prominent social media publishers. It shares a similar focus on viral videos, entertainment, and social issues, targeting young adults, particularly men.

Alex’s departure from UNILAD was marred by a protracted and highly publicised legal battle. In 2013, after transferring a 66% ownership stake to entrepreneurs Liam Harrington and Sam Bentley to manage the growing business, Alex found himself ousted from the company and denied access to its administrative controls, including its Facebook page. This led him to initiate legal proceedings against Harrington and Bentley in 2016, alleging a breach of their original partnership agreement.
The case, heard in the High Court in 2017, ruled in Alex’s favour, confirming his entitlement to a one-third share of the company.
While he had a major legal victory, the ordeal took a significant personal toll on him, contributing to severe mental health struggles, including depression and severe alcoholism that resulted in hospitalisation. Alex has openly discussed how this period nearly cost him his life.
At age 34, Alex was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that provided clarity on his past behaviours and challenges. He has since become a prominent advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, sharing his experiences to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles. In 2023, he launched the podcast ADHD Chatter, where he engages in candid conversations about living with ADHD. Additionally, his book, Now It All Makes Sense, delves into his journey and the impact of his diagnosis.
Following his ADHD diagnosis at 34, he launched the podcast ADHD Chatter in March 2023. This weekly series features candid conversations with experts, celebrities, and individuals navigating ADHD, offering insights into the condition’s complexities.
The podcast has resonated with a broad audience, amassing over three million followers within 18 months . Notable guests, such as actress Denise Welch, have shared personal experiences, highlighting the varied impacts of ADHD and its treatments.

A compelling and sought-after speaker, Alex has become known for his candid storytelling and insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, mental health, and neurodiversity. Having delivered over 200 talks for prominent organisations such as Formula 1, BBC, TED, Experian, The Business Show, and British Airways, he brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his presentations.
His speaking engagements often delve into his journey from founding UNILAD and LADbible to navigating the challenges of a high-profile legal battle, which significantly impacted his mental health and led to a diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 34. His openness about these experiences resonates deeply with audiences, offering both inspiration and practical insights into resilience and self-awareness.
His talks can cover:
– Entrepreneurship
– Alcoholism
– Resilience
– Mental Health & ADHD
– Sales & Marketing
– Media & Journalism
See Alex’s Tedx Talk below:
Building on the podcast’s success, Partridge authored Now It All Makes Sense: How an ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity to My Life. The book combines his personal journey with insights from his podcast interviews, addressing themes like masking, rejection sensitivity, and the challenges of late diagnosis.
Praised for its authenticity and depth, the book has been described as “deeply validating” and “life-changing” by readers and experts alike .

Alex is a trailblazer in digital media and a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, making him a highly sought-after speaker. His journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, combined with personal experiences of late ADHD diagnosis, alcoholism, and mental health struggles, creates an authentic and deeply relatable narrative.
Through his engaging storytelling and candid approach, Alex connects with audiences on topics ranging from digital innovation and entrepreneurship to resilience and neurodiversity. His insights into viral media, mental health, and personal growth leave a lasting impression, empowering organisations and individuals alike to embrace change, foster inclusivity, and spark impactful conversations.
“Alex has a fascinating story where he reveals the untold story behind the creation of UNILAD and The LAD Bible. It’s both insightful and hilarious! A true professional.”
The Business Show, 2019.
“Alex shared his incredibly powerful mental health story with us. He discussed his experience of being an alcoholic, how it has impacted his life, the challenges that he has faced along the way and the support mechanisms that he now has in place to help him. Thank you for sharing your story so open and honestly.”
“Spent a massively humbling hour just listening to Alex Partridge talk about Men’s Mental Health and his back story. Really simple words but packed a punch in the room today.” Experian, 2022