Richard Branson needs no introduction. The British self-made billionaire is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. This is thanks to his hugely successful Virgin Brand; a conglomerate with no fewer than 400 companies. In a world where businessmen are vilified for their exploitative tendencies, Branson’s adventurous personality and humanitarian initiatives have endeared him to many. Want to know more about the coolest billionaire in the world?
Richard Branson’s Biography (Age)
Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on the 18th of July 1950 in Blackheath, London. His father’s name is Edward James while his mother’s name is Eva. The billionaire entrepreneur also has two sisters, namely Vanessa and Lindy.
Branson spent his formative years in England, attending schools including Scaitcliffe School in Surrey, Cliff View House School in Sussex and Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. As a child he suffered from dyslexia and had problems with reading and understanding. His academic performance was therefore poor and at the age of 16 he decided to drop out of school. He then went to London to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
In London, Richard Branson began selling Christmas trees and a species of parrot called the budgerigar. He then started a magazine called Student and later Virgin Mail Order Records. His business soon grew into a discount store and eventually a music label titled Virgin Records, which would go on to become the world’s largest indie record label. Branson would later sell it to EMI in June 1992 for a whopping $1 billion.
Wife
The business tycoon married on two occasions. His first marriage was to American architecture student Kristen Tomassi in 1972. The union lasted seven years and they divorced in 1979.
Richard Branson found love a second time with a Scotswoman – Joan Templeman. Branson first met Templeman in 1976 at his Virgin Records studio. He was taken away immediately, but it took some time for Templeman to return his affections. The couple eventually settled on Necker Island and began dating in 1978 th December 1989.daughter
Branson and his wife have two children together. Their first is a daughter, Holly, who was born on the 21st of November 1981. Holly initially wanted to be a doctor and studied medicine at University College London. She also worked as a junior doctor before her father offered her a place on the Virgin management team. Holly is now a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist. She is married to longtime friend Freddie Andrewes. They have three children namely Etta, Artie and Lola Snow Templeman Andrewes.
Richard Branson’s second child is a son, Sam, who was born on 12 th He is an actor, producer and philanthropist. Sam is married to English model/actress Isabella Calthorpe. They have two children, namely Eva-Deia and Bluey.
Height
Richard Branson is 5 feet 10 inches tall and his weight is reported at 87kg. The Founder of Virgo boasts of a good body and the reason is not far-fetched; He is a known adventure lover and regularly engages in activities such as hiking, surfing, biking and kayaking. Branson is also a fitness junkie and takes his fitness routine, which includes cycling, playing tennis and weight training, very seriously. In addition, the entrepreneur drinks in moderation, eats healthily, and practices portion control.
philanthropy
Branson is someone who believes strongly in giving back to society. He has led several philanthropic initiatives including Virgin Startup, which provided start-up loans to thousands of young entrepreneurs.
Branson is also a sponsor of the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He organized a humanitarian concert that also benefits the Venezuelan people. Also, the founder of Virgo was a climate change skeptic. However, he has repented and taken initiatives to counter the threat.
What is Richard Branson Net Worth?
Richard Branson is ranked among the 500 richest individuals in the world with a net worth of $4.1 billion. Since he first found success with Virgin Records, London-born Branson hasn’t looked back. He founded or acquired other lucrative companies including Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Holidays, Virgin Trains, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Blue, Virgin Fuels, Virgin Comics, Virgin Animation, Virgin Money, Virgin Healthcare, V2, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Galactic – a space company , which wants to take paying passengers into space. The company will use the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft and a trip will cost $200,000.
