Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, commonly known as Richard Branson, is a famous English film and television producer, investor, actor, as well as an entrepreneur. Richard Branson is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the multinational venture capital conglomerate called the “Virgin Group”. The company was co-founded in 1970 by Branson and Nik Powell with intentions of becoming a record shop. However, over the years it expanded to encompass a variety of businesses, including those related to travel, transport, media, entertainment, and financial services to name a few. Among Branson’s many subsidiaries and investments that are included in the “Virgin Group” are “Virgin Books” publisher, “Virgin Holidays” travel agency, “Virgin Mobile”, “Virgin EMI Records” soundtrack label, as well as “Virgin Drinks” drink manufacturer. For his contribution to business, Branson has been rewarded with the German Media Prize, ISTA Prize, and the Business for Peace Award. Yet perhaps the most notable achievement for Branson was being knighted by Prince Charles of Wales in 2000, and receiving the title of “Sir”. Branson had also been ranked on a list of “100 Greatest Britons” and made it to the list of “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World”.
Richard Branson Net Worth $5 Billion
A well-known businessman and investor, how rich is Richard Branson? According to sources, in 2014 he made an investment to the “Expa” company, which amounted to $50 million, and that same year invested in the bicycle innovations company called “Blaze, which cost him $500,000. In regards to his wealth, Richard Branson’s net worth is estimated to be a remarkable $5 billion, most of which he has accumulated from his business ventures.
Richard Branson was born in 1950, in London, United Kingdom. Branson studied at Scaitcliffe School, and then enrolled at the Cliff View House School. He had difficulties concentrating on academic performances, hence he decided to dedicate his life to becoming a businessman. In 1971, he opened a record store, and a year later, with the money earned from his record store, opened a record label called “Virgin Records”, which signified the beginning of the conglomerate.
Aside from business ventures, Richard Branson has become known for his many appearances on television screens. He has appeared as a guest star on such shows as Nick Wood’s “Birds of Feather”, “Friends” with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer, “Baywatch” and “The Day Today” with Chris Morris, Steve Coogan and Rebecca Front. Branson had also starred in such films as “Superman Returns” with Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth, “Casino Royale” starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen, as well as “Around the World in 80 Days” with Jackie Chan.
Aside from that, Richard Branson has published several books, such as “Screw It, Let’s Do It”, “Business Stripped Bare” and “Screw Business As Usual” among others. His most recent publication is “The Virgin Way: How to Listen, Learn, Laugh and Lead”, which came out in 2014.
In regards to his personal life, Richard Branson’s first marriage was to Kristen Tomassi. The couple got married in 1972 and divorced seven years later. A decade later, Branson celebrated his second marriage, this time to Joan Templeman.
